Practice Manager - Corporate or Litigation

Description

Responsible for supporting the Corporate or Litigation Practice Group's strategic goals and operational objectives through independent analysis, strategic planning, financial management, and operational leadership. Serves as a business advisor to Practice Group leadership, providing recommendations on matters affecting profitability, staffing, productivity, resource allocation, and operational effectiveness. Directs and provides leadership for the financial, administrative, and strategic planning functions of the Practice Group and is responsible for implementing policies, procedures, processes, and systems that support the Group’s strategic objectives. 

Supports and promotes Firm strategic goals and Practice Group plans in all aspects of job performance. Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the internal and external client service experience while advancing innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Practice Strategy and Operational Execution. Working with the Director of Pricing & Legal Project Management and Practice Group Leader(s), identifies operational challenges and opportunities within the Practice Group and develops recommendations to improve efficiency, profitability, client service, and resource utilization. Serves as the operational lead for major Practice Group initiatives, translating strategic objectives into actionable implementation plans. Develops project timelines, communication plans, success metrics, and reporting structures; coordinates with Firm departments and stakeholders; and monitors progress to ensure successful execution and achievement of desired outcomes. Exercises independent judgment in determining and implementing solutions to complex operational and business issues.
• Team and Practice Group Financial Performance and Profitability. Analyzes financial, operational, productivity, realization, and staffing data to identify trends and opportunities. Develops recommendations regarding resource allocation, staffing levels, workflow management, and operational improvements. Advises Practice Group leadership on actions designed to enhance profitability and performance. Evaluates performance trends against Firm benchmarks and monitors Practice Group metrics.
• Attorney and Staff Timekeeper Productivity.  Evaluates attorney and staff productivity, utilization, and capacity metrics and recommends strategies to improve performance, balance workloads, and optimize resources across the Practice Group.
• Lateral Hiring, Practice Integration, and Orientation.  Collaborates with the Lateral Integration Team, Sponsoring Partner, and Partner Advisor to establish integration goals, monitor progress, identify potential obstacles, and promote successful assimilation into the Practice Group and Firm. Provides guidance and direction and identifies key resources and sources of support to facilitate successful integration. 
• Team Communications. Establishes a meeting cadence for the Practice Group and Teams to disseminate relevant Firm information and foster communication and collaboration within the Group. For significant meetings, develops and administers agendas, participates in discussions, tracks action items, and manages follow-up activities to support implementation of decisions and initiatives. 
• Business Planning and Decision Support. Develops reports, analyses, forecasts, and business cases to support Practice Group leadership in making strategic and operational decisions. Exercises discretion and independent judgment in evaluating alternatives and recommending courses of action on matters of significance affecting the Practice Group.
• Administrative Functions. Manages review and approval processes for practice-related expenses and escalates significant matters as necessary. Exercises independent judgment in resolving operational and administrative issues affecting the Practice Group. Interprets and applies Firm policies and procedures and recommends solutions, exceptions, or alternative approaches when appropriate.
• Leadership and Special Projects. Provides recommendations to Firm and Practice Group leadership regarding significant operational, financial, staffing, and strategic matters affecting the Practice Group. Performs special initiatives and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Education. Bachelor’s degree required. MBA or J.D. preferred.
• Experience. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in legal operations, business management, project management, finance, professional services administration, or a related field. Experience in a law firm, professional services organization, or other client relationship-focused environment preferred. 
• Other Minimum Qualifications. Travel may be required. Availability and willingness to work hours as needed to meet critical deadlines. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications. Strong commitment to client service excellence and teamwork. Must possess the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism. Excellent communication skills (oral, written and listening) and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse group of professionals. Sound judgment and flexibility. Ability to work well under pressure, patience, diplomacy, high stress tolerance, excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to prioritize workload and adapt to changing conditions. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent must possess the abilities or aptitudes to proficiently perform each of the responsibilities and accountabilities described above, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Human Resources department will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate.