The Lawyer Professional Development Section is for NALP members who are interested in or have a responsibility for law firm professional development programming.

Join Section Group on NALPconnect

2025-26 Section Co-Chairs: Anna Hanzelka, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Kelly Ryan, Venable LLP

July 2025 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Education Work Group: Annual Education Conference / PDI / Bulletin+ Article Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2026 Annual Education Conference, the 2027 Professional Development Institute, and topics for NALP Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for each. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year.

Lawyer/Law Student Professional Development Collaboration
Collaborate with the Law Student Professional Development Section to create and deliver programming on legal career development strategies for law students and lawyers from recruitment through retirement and assess the effectiveness of professional development courses/programs from the perspectives of students and associates. Ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are considered for all programs.

Best Practices in Lawyer PD/PD For the PD Professional
Expand best practices resources on the NALP website and on NALPconnect. Host webinars on professional development best practices topics as well as member support programs (providing effective virtual programming, mentoring those new to the profession, sharing resources, etc.).

AI in the Workplace
Create resources (e.g., best practices guide) that provide information on appropriate workplace use of AI and how to leverage these tools in our day jobs. Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference, PDI and/or additional programming (e.g., Bulletin articles, webinars, panel discussions, etc.). Collaborate with AI Topics & Trends in Student Advising Work Group (JD Career Advisors Section).

Performance Review Work Group
Through environmental scanning, surveys, and/or focus groups, develop best practices for lawyer performance review process. Consider RFPs for the Annual Education Conference, PDI and/or additional programming (e.g., Bulletin articles, webinars, panel discussions, etc.).

Lawyer Career Coaching/Advising
Explore the responsibilities of internal coaches/advisors for lawyers by collaborating with colleagues to understand the different ways positions are defined and the resources used. Compile information to educate NALP members. Collaborate with the Legal Employer Alumni Relations/Programs Section to discuss how coaching/advising extends to alumni.

DEI Liaison
The DEI Liaison will identify and address issues related to DEI that are specific to the section and work with the VP of DEI and the DEI Steering Committee to address these issues.

Small/Mid-Sized Lawyer Firm PD Work Group
Provide opportunities for those who work for small/mid-sized firms to connect through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to lawyer professional development for small/mid-sized firms and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Well-Being Champion
Identify specific well-being issues faced by the section and propose and institute well-being initiatives to address these issues. Participate as a member of the Well-Being Section.

2024-25 Section Co-Chairs:Carole Deeter, Thompson Hine LLP and Kelly Ryan, Venable LLP

June 2024 Board Report (PDF)
November 2024 Board Report (PDF)
February 2025 Board Report (PDF)
March 2025 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Education Work Group: Annual Education Conference / PDI / Bulletin+ Article Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2025 Annual Education Conference, the 2024 Professional Development Institute, and topics for NALP Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for each. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year.

Lawyer/Law Student Professional Development Collaboration
Collaborate with the Law Student Professional Development Section to create and deliver programming on legal career development strategies for law students and lawyers from recruitment through retirement and assess the effectiveness of professional development courses/programs from the perspectives of students and associates. Ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are considered for all programs.

Member Relations and Membership Development
Reach out to new members on a regular basis to welcome them to the section. Educate new and continuing members about ways to get involved. Consider contacting members from other sections and groups to encourage them to join. Brainstorm about ways to increase collaboration with PDC.

Best Practices in Lawyer PD/PD For the PD Professional
Expand best practices resources on the NALP website and on NALPconnect. Host webinars on professional development best practices topics as well as member support programs (providing effective virtual programming, mentoring those new to the profession, sharing resources, etc.).

AI in the Workplace
Create resources (e.g., best practices guide) that provide information on appropriate workplace use of AI and how to leverage these tools in our day jobs.

Performance Review Work Group
Through environmental scanning, surveys, and/or focus groups, develop best practices for lawyer performance review process.

Lawyer Career Coaching/Advising
Explore the responsibilities of internal coaches/advisors for lawyers by collaborating with colleagues to understand the different ways positions are defined and the resources used. Compile information to educate NALP members. Collaborate with the Legal Employer Alumni Relations/Programs Section to discuss how coaching/advising extends to alumni.

Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with the NALP staff to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access.

DEI Liaison
The DEI Liaison will identify and address issues related to DEI that are specific to the section and work with the VP of DEI and the DEI Steering Committee to address these issues.

Small/Mid-Sized Lawyer Firm PD Work Group
Provide opportunities for those who work for small/mid-sized firms to connect through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to lawyer professional development for small/mid-sized firms and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Well-Being Champion
Identify specific well-being issues faced by the section and propose and institute well-being initiatives to address these issues. Participate as a member of the Well-Being Steering Committee.

2023-24 Section Co-Chairs: Carole Deeter, Thompson Hine LLP and Chelsey Parrott-Shaffer, Saul Ewing LLP

February 2024 Board Report (PDF)
November 2023 Board Report (PDF)
July 2023 Board Report (PDF)

2022-23 Section Co-Chairs: Shannon Burke, Chapman and Cutler LLP and Sandra Minea, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

April 2023 Board Report (PDF)
July 2022 Board Report (PDF)

2021-22 Section Co-Chairs: Shannon Burke, Chapman and Cutler LLP and Sandra Minea, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

April 2022 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2021 Board Report (PDF)
July 2021 Board Report (PDF)

2020-21 Section Chair: Carrie English, Husch Blackwell LLP

April 2021 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2020 Board Report (PDF)
July 2020 Board Report (PDF)

2019-20 Section Chair: Tamesha Keel, Thompson & Knight LLP

April 2020 Board Report (PDF)
February 2020 Board Report (PDF)
November 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2019 Board Report (PDF)

2018-19 Section Chair: Jeanette Forgey, Wolf, Greenfield & Sacks, P.C.

April 2019 Board Report (PDF)
February 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2018 Board Report (PDF)

2017-18 Section Chair: Jennifer Gallinson, Much Shelist PC

April 2018 Board Report (PDF)
February 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2017 Board Report (PDF)
July 2017 Board Report (PDF)

2016-17 Section Chair: Jennifer Gallinson, Much Shelist PC

April 2017 Board Report (PDF)
February 2017 Board Report (PDF)
November 2016 Board Report (PDF)
July 2016 Board Report (PDF)

2015-16 Section Chair: Kara Dodson, Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

February 2016 Board Report (PDF)
November 2015 Board Report (PDF)
July 2015 Board Report (PDF)

2014-15 Section Chair: Maria Minor, Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

November 2014 Board Report (PDF)

July 2014 Board Report (PDF)

2013-14 Section Chair: Molly Peckman, Dechert LLP

April 2014 Board Report (PDF)

February 2014 Board Report (PDF)

November 2013 Board Report (PDF)

July 2013 Board Report (PDF)

2012-2013 Section Chair: Molly Peckman, Dechert LLP

April 2013 Board Report (PDF)

February 2013 Board Report (PDF)

November 2012 Board Report (PDF)

July 2012 Board Report (PDF)

2011-2012 Section Chair: Kris Butler, Holland & Knight LLP

April 2012 Board Report (PDF)

February 2012 Board Report (PDF)

November 2011 Board Report (PDF)

July 2011 Board Report (PDF)

2010-2011 Section Chair: Gillian Murray, Bryan Cave LLP

April 2011 Board Report (PDF)

February 2011 Board Report (PDF)

November 2010 Board Report (PDF)

July 2010 Board Report (PDF)

2009-2010 Section Chair: Michele Bendekovic, Steptoe & Johnson LLP

April 2010 Board Report (PDF)

February 2010 Board Report (PDF)

November 2009 Board Report (PDF)

July 2009 Board Report (PDF)

2008-09 Section Chair: Kay Nash, Wiley Rein LLP

March 2009 Board Report - PDF
March 2009 Work Group Summary - PDF


February 2009 Board Report - PDF

July 2008 Board Report - PDF 

November 2008 Board Report - PDF

2007-08 Section Chair: Cindy Lindsley, Thompson & Knight LLP

July 2007 Board Report - PDF

November 2007 Board Report - PDF

February 2008 Board Report - PDF

April 2008 Board Report - PDF