Legal Talent Events Manager

JOB SUMMARY The Legal Talent Events Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of high-quality internal events and programs that support the Firm’s Legal Talent functions including Legal Recruiting, Training & Development and Inclusion. This role is focused on internal-facing programming and is central to delivering exceptional experiences across practice group initiatives, attorney training programs, recruiting events, summer program activities, connectivity initiatives, and other talent-focused events. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, service-oriented event professional with strong judgment, operational excellence, and a polished, client-focused approach to managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Firm-sponsored internal events of varying size, complexity, and format, partnering with relevant stakeholders from concept development through post-event evaluation Plan and execute a broad range of internal events, including practice group social events, attorney training programs, professional development events, recruiting receptions, summer associate events, mentoring, integration and inclusion social events, and other Legal Talent initiatives Collaborate with Legal Talent, Legal Recruiting, Professional Development and Inclusion leads in each practice group, Legal Training team, and other stakeholders to define event objectives, establish project plans, and ensure seamless execution Serve as a lead project manager for large-scale recruiting and talent events, including annual Summer Family Event, Partner/Summer Dinner, STBReady (first-year orientation programming) and STBAdvance (class year specific training conference), ensuring that timelines, deliverables, approvals, communications, and logistics are managed effectively Develop and manage event budgets; track expenses and approvals throughout the planning process; review and process invoices; and complete post-event budget reconciliation and reporting Oversee all event logistics, including venue and vendor sourcing, site visits, contract coordination, registration management, attendee tracking, catering, audiovisual needs, transportation, rooming lists, production of materials, staffing, and on-site execution Draft and coordinate event communications, including save-the-dates, invitations, reminders, agendas, logistical instructions, and post-event follow-up materials in partnership with stakeholder teams Establish and maintain event protocols, planning standards, and operational best practices to ensure a high level of service, consistency, and attention to detail Identify and implement process improvements to enhance event planning, execution, and participant experience, including the effective use of event technology and feedback tools Track attendance, participation, and other event metrics; prepare post-event summaries; and provide recommendations to improve future programming Support training and development programs by coordinating schedules, materials, speaker logistics, room set-up, catering, and participant communications Partner with internal contract review and procurement teams, as applicable, to support vendor engagement and ensure compliance with Firm policies Build and maintain strong relationships with hotels, conference facilities, restaurants, caterers, transportation providers, and other event-related vendors Stay informed on event industry trends, tools, and best practices and recommend innovative approaches that support Legal Talent priorities Maintain accurate event records, calendars, planning documents, attendee information, and other event-related data in relevant Firm systems Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, particularly in connection with recruiting, attorney personnel, and internal programming matters Contribute to additional Legal Talent and Firm initiatives as assigned. EDUCATION Required Bachelor’s degree Preferred Degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Communications, Public Relations, Human Resources, Education, or a related field QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE Required Minimum of 6 years of relevant event planning and management experience, preferably in a law firm, professional services, or similarly fast-paced environment Proven success planning and executing complex events involving multiple stakeholders, competing deadlines, and high service expectations Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and drive projects to completion Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a demanding, deadline-driven environment Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, timely, and high-quality work product Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with sound judgment and the ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and escalate as appropriate Ability to build strong working relationships with attorneys, business professionals, and vendors while maintaining a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders regarding priorities, logistics, and event expectations Ability to anticipate needs, respond effectively to stakeholder requests, and provide a high level of internal client service Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion Positive, proactive, and service-oriented approach, with a strong commitment to teamwork Ability to quickly develop organizational awareness and understand the Firm’s culture, priorities, policies, and practices Experience developing and managing budgets and monitoring event-related expenses Experience using event registration platforms, survey tools, and related event technology Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite Flexibility to work additional hours as needed, including early mornings and evenings in connection with events Ability to travel as needed. Preferred Experience supporting attorney recruiting, attorney development, professional development, training, or internal engagement programming Experience using event management systems, learning management systems, or similar platforms. Salary Information NY Only: The estimated base salary range for this position is $165,000 to $195,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible. Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position. Privacy Notice For information about how Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP collects and processes your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Notice available at https://www.stblaw.com/other/privacy-notice. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is committed to a collegial work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The Firm prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other legally protected status. This Policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the Firm, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training and development, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. #LI-Hybrid Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has approximately 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.