Learning & Development Specialist

Purpose Of The Job
The Learning & Development Specialist supports firmwide training and professional development initiatives with a focus on role-specific training for paralegals, legal secretaries, and other legal support professionals. This position is responsible for designing, developing, and facilitating engaging learning experiences that improve performance, efficiency, and professional growth across the firm.

Working under the direction of the Learning & Development Manager, the Specialist collaborates with practice groups, operations teams, and firm leadership to deliver high-quality, consistent, and scalable learning programs through multiple channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Design & Delivery
• Design, develop, and deliver tailored learning experiences across departments that align with firm skill needs and performance objectives.
• Facilitate training sessions via live workshops, webinars, on-demand learning, and blended delivery models.
• Learning Operations & Administration
• Implement and maintain standardized learning routines and schedules to improve delivery efficiency.
• Maintain accurate training calendars, attendance records, and participation data.
• Learning Pathways & Assessments
• Support the development of structured learning pathways for roles such as paralegals, legal secretaries, and legal nurse consultants.
• Assist in creating skill-based assessments and development plans tied to department and individual performance goals.
• Onboarding Support
• Partner with Human Resources and firm leadership to facilitate new hire onboarding programs.
• Ensure all new employees receive a comprehensive introduction to firm systems, culture, and expectations.
• Track onboarding outcomes and recommend improvements to increase engagement and retention.
• Needs Assessment & Program Evaluation
• Conduct training needs assessments at both firm and individual levels to identify learning opportunities.
• Evaluate learning programs for relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with firm priorities.
• Collect and analyze participant feedback to measure program impact and guide enhancements.
• Instructional Design & Resource Development
• Curate and develop learning tools, resources, and materials using instructional design and adult learning principles.
• Maintain and update centralized learning resources on the firm's intranet to ensure accessibility and consistency.
• Technology & Systems Integration
• Maintain familiarity with firm systems and platforms to ensure training is effectively integrated into daily workflows.
• Utilize Learning Management Systems (LMS) and eLearning tools to support hybrid and remote learning delivery.
• Communications & Engagement
• Promote learning initiatives through clear, persuasive internal communication.
• Reinforce the value of continuous learning and professional development firmwide.
• Support change management and communication strategies tied to system rollouts and process improvements.
• Continuous Improvement
• Stay informed on trends and best practices in legal training and professional development.
• Recommend innovative methods and technologies to enhance learner engagement and effectiveness.
• Other Duties
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the firm's overall learning strategy.

Required Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Paralegal certification a plus.
• Experience
• 2–4 years of experience in learning and development, instructional design, or professional training.
• Experience in the legal industry preferred, including prior work as a paralegal, legal secretary, or similar role.
• Skills
• Strong facilitation and presentation abilities across in-person and virtual settings.
• Familiarity with adult learning and instructional design frameworks.
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and eLearning tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and a passion for professional growth and learning.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working on a computer or facilitating virtual training sessions.
• Frequent interaction with attorneys, staff, and external vendors.
• Occasional lifting of training materials or equipment up to 20 pounds.

Performance Measures

• Goals
• Effective delivery of training programs aligned with firm and departmental objectives.
• Increased participation, engagement, and completion rates in learning programs.
• Positive feedback and measurable skill development from participants.
• Competencies
• Strong facilitation and communication skills.
• Consistency and accuracy in program execution.
• Collaboration, adaptability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with frequent use of digital learning tools and virtual meeting platforms.
• Occasional travel or extended hours may be required to support training programs or firmwide initiatives.