Specialist, People Strategy

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About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Specialist, People Strategy to join the firm. You will support the strategic and day-to-day people operations of an assigned region or practice group, with a strong focus on People Strategy, practice support, staffing coordination, talent processes, communications, and operational execution. With guidance as needed from People Strategy Manager (PSM), serves as lead People Strategy resource to Practice Leaders, People Strategy Partners, staffing partners, Partners, counsel, associates, and business services colleagues, helping to drive core talent and business processes that support the priorities and objectives of the assigned population.

Working under the general guidance of a PSM, this role is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, sound judgment, and accountability in managing assigned responsibilities and advancing initiatives. The People Strategy Specialist partners closely with colleagues across Talent Acquisition, People Development, People Operations, Business Development, Knowledge Management, Office Administration, Client Administration, and other Firm functions to support attorney engagement, development, integration, and retention, while helping to foster a collaborative, high-performing, and well-supported practice environment.

Strategic Operations

• Serves as a primary People Strategy contact for an assigned region or practice group, partnering with Practice Leaders, Partners, staffing partners, Partners, counsel, and associates on people-related initiatives and priorities.
• Supports and independently manages cyclical talent and operational processes, including performance management, counsel and partner selection, and pipeline meetings.
• Helps translate practice or regional priorities into actionable People Strategy plans, coordinating with relevant parties to support execution.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers practice group communications, helping to ensure timely, consistent messaging and alignment with department and firmwide objectives.
• Partners with the centralized Knowledge Management team to organize and maintain practice area or regional resources.
• Liaises with Business Development and Marketing teams to support alignment between departmental goals, pipeline priorities, and broader firm strategies.
• Tracks alumni engagement activity and assist in coordinating secondments.
• Helps identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations, and recommends practical solutions.
• Coordinates with Centers of Excellence (COEs) to support implementation of practice-specific goals, including talent acquisition strategies, training and development needs, and operational improvements.
• Supports staffing partners and practice leaders with planning efforts, including global mobility resourcing where applicable.

People Strategy

• Supports career development programs tailored to the region, practice and individual attorneys.
• Coordinates the associate and counsel evaluation processes, helping to ensure timely feedback and follow-up on development actions.
• Helps ensure feedback is communicated clearly and understood by attorneys.
• Provides day-to-day developmental support and guidance to attorneys, escalating more complex issues to the People Strategy Manager as appropriate.
• Reinforces regional or practice group-specific competencies and professional development expectations.
• Identifies gaps in associate and counsel experience or development and coordinate with COEs on training resources and targeted support.
• Partners with staffing and practice leadership to help align attorney experience and development opportunities with practice group needs.
• Supports the onboarding and integration of new attorneys into the department and help foster a strong sense of community and engagement.

Staffing and Practice Group Planning

• Supports Associate Development Partners, staffing partners, and practice leaders with planning and resource allocation activities.
• Prepares regular updates and materials for practice leadership related to utilization, upcoming events, employee relations matters, and process improvements.
• Assists in identifying and coordinating resources to support partners and promote effective staffing.
• Helps facilitate communication between associates/counsel and practice group leadership, in collaboration with the People Strategy Manager.

Administrative Coordination

• Manages the administrative aspects of the performance management and talent review processes for the region or practice group including timelines, documentation, meeting preparation, follow-up items, and tracking of outcomes.
• Supports communications across the region and/or practice area, including announcements, meeting materials, and follow-up items.
• Assists with forecasting financial and budget needs for the department, preparing reports, and tracking against budget.
• Maintains accurate data, records, and reporting related to practice and/or attorney development.
• Maintains regular and reliable physical presence to work as part of a team and meet with internal clients.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Proven project management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work under pressure and conflicting circumstances
• Ability to work well independently with limited oversight, as well as effectively within and across teams
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Strong interest in professional development, talent strategy and practice support
• Strong demonstrated leadership presence, accountability and client service orientation
• Flexibility to travel 
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of three years of professional development or other related experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Experience supporting attorneys, talent processes, or practice-facing initiatives in a law firm strongly preferred

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us.  We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. 

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit:  https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law. This position may be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.