Learning & Development Assistant in London

Milbank LLP is an elite global law firm with over 1000 lawyers and 600 business professionals, based in 11 offices across 4 continents. With over 200 lawyers in London providing English and NY law advice on UK, pan-European, Asian and other global matters, we offer our clients real strength and depth of expertise coupled with first rate client service. The strength of our leading US and UK practices also provides us with a unique ability to handle the most complex and demanding transatlantic mandates for our clients.

Our clients span the public and private sectors, including governments, state-owned enterprises, sovereign wealth funds, export credit agencies, development banks and multilateral institutions, as well as private companies, lending institutions, private equity firms, hedge funds, institutional investors and other financial institutions located around the globe who seek guidance on their most important and complex matters.

We are market-leaders across multiple disciplines and practice areas, including Financial Restructuring, Project, Energy & Infrastructure Finance, Transportation and Space, Leveraged Finance, Alternative Investments, Corporate Finance and Securities, Corporate/M&A/Private Equity, Intellectual Property, IT & Outsourcing, Litigation and Arbitration, Tax and Executive Compensation, and Benefits.

Driven to deliver exceptional results for our clients, we push boundaries and challenge assumptions. That’s been core to our ethos since our founding in 1866. It fuels how we work and define ourselves, and it informs our growth and evolution as a firm. Our unified practice is underpinned by our attorneys’ acknowledged technical excellence, sectoral expertise and a strong tradition of innovation and client service. Surrounding ourselves by the best inspires and challenges us to constantly reimagine what’s possible.

The Learning and Development Assistant will be a key member of the London-based Professional Development (PD) team, reporting to the Learning and Development Manager. The role will work closely with the London Learning and Development Advisor, the wider global PD team, and colleagues across the London Human Resources team to support the effective delivery of learning initiatives.

This position plays an important operational role in the coordination and administration of professional development programmes for trainees, associates and business services staff in the London office. The Learning and Development Assistant will support the smooth running of training programmes, maintain accurate learning records, and help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with firmwide learning objectives.

The London Professional Development team reports into the Director of Professional Development and Training, based in the New York office, and works closely with the wider Professional Development team in New York and Asia.

The London PD team also reports to the London Principal and PD Partner for the London office, as well as working with Training Partners and Professional Development Representatives across each Practice Group through the PD Committee.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Programme Administration and Coordination

• Use the firm’s Learning Management System (LMS) to set up and administer London-based Professional Development programmes, including programme creation, sign-in sheets, CLE administration, attendance tracking, evaluations and the maintenance of accurate training records.
• Update the London Professional Development intranet pages, ensuring content remains current, accurate and accessible.
• Maintain Professional Development programme spreadsheets, book training rooms and arrange catering as required.
• Process invoices and ensure accurate budgeting codes are applied.
• Support with the drafting of sponsorship agreements and the management of external course bookings as required.
• Assist with the rollout of new Professional Development initiatives and pilot programmes.

Trainee and Graduate Development:

• Support with trainee administration, including scheduling mid-seat and end-seat reviews, maintaining trainee records, and setting up VIDesktop forms to support review processes.
• Update trainee seat rotation and qualification documentation, working closely with the Learning and Development Manager and Talent Development Manager.
• Schedule trainee training programmes, including coordinating with external training providers and maintaining the LEVRA training schedule.
• Schedule the week-long trainee induction programme and the Leveraged Finance Bootcamp held in March and September.
• Support with the enrolment of future trainees onto PDGL and SQE preparation courses, and update trainee progress trackers throughout their preparation programmes.

Professional Development and Firmwide Initiatives:

• Set up SRA Development Plans via VIDesktop. Update on progress throughout the year and ensure all SRA declarations are completed in preparation for practising certificate renewals.
• Support the coordination and delivery of the firm’s mentoring programmes.
• Provide support for Business Services training programmes.
• Assist with the preparation of Professional Development materials to support Associate Review processes.
• Attend and support Professional Development Committee meetings, including the preparation of papers and tracking follow-up actions.
• Support the implementation of AI tools within the firm, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to ad hoc projects, tasks and firmwide initiatives as required.

• Up to one year of experience in a Learning and Development, Professional Development or related administrative role, ideally within a professional services or corporate environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain accurate records and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, consistency and high-quality record-keeping, particularly in relation to training, compliance and regulatory data.
• Good problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, follow processes and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a calm and methodical approach.
• A collaborative and reliable team player with a positive, proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
• Previous experience of using systems and technology to support learning administration (e.g. LMS platforms, spreadsheets and databases) would be advantageous.

To facilitate a positive recruitment experience, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made for you during the recruitment process. Kindly provide details of your requirements. If you would like to discuss these with a member of the recruitment team, please contact LNRecruiting@milbank.com.