Professional Development Assistant

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work.

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With us, you’ll find:

A firm where everyone belongs:
Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!

Enthusiasm for all perspectives:
We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.

Support to feel your best and do your best:
Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.

Real rewards for real work:
We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.

Job Description:

The Professional Development (PD) Assistant provides administrative support to the Professional Development team for initiatives related to attorney development and general team support. The PD Assistant follows instructions, processes, and guidelines to perform the essential functions of the job.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities :

Coordinate logistics and communications for firmwide attorney development programs and initiatives.

Support program administration, including invitations, registration, participant tracking, material preparation, attendance monitoring, and feedback collection.

Create surveys, compile participant feedback, and prepare program evaluations, summaries, and reports.

Assist with planning and executing practice excellence workshops, attorney onboarding and orientation, practice group boot camps, and other in-person and virtual programs.

Travel to other firm office locations to provide on the ground support for in-person attorney trainings and events.

Coordinate conference rooms, audio/visual (AV) support, catering, program materials, and other event logistics.

Maintain and communicate in regard to timelines and project plans to move initiatives forward.

Exercise critical thinking and judgment in coordination of training and event logistics.

Maintain program records, participation data, metrics, and electronic files; assist with reporting and data analysis.

Assist with the maintenance of attorney development resources, intranet page, and internal program materials.

Collaborate with attorneys, business professionals, and external vendors to support program delivery and participant experience.

Prepare client-ready written communications to attorneys, business professionals, external vendors, and other stakeholders.

Provide administrative support for team operations, including meeting coordination, cross-functional collaboration, special projects, and other department initiatives.

Job Specifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Knowledge of Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, One Drive, and Project Planner)
Strong oral and written communication skills

Strong organizational and attention to detail skills

Strong client service skills

Ability to work well within a collaborative team environment

Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities

Ability to handle and maintain confidential information

Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly

Some travel required

Successful…