Specialist, People Strategy

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm. 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