Practice Manager

The Practice Manager for the Transactional Department works with the other members of the Practice Management Team to support the Department Chair and the Practice Group Leaders (PGLs). This role is responsible for the daily execution of the business operations of the practice group and will work with other firm legal and administrative groups to support the practice groups’ goals associated with financial reporting, talent management, partner support, engagement and integration, and other firm-wide strategic initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Work with PGL and practice team leaders to develop strategic business goals, objectives, and tactics in alignment with the firm’s strategy.

Work collaboratively with peers across the firm’s business support departments (e.g., Business Development, Client Experience, Legal Talent, Finance & Accounting, Innovation, Information Technology, Human Resources) to manage initiatives and support business strategies as determined by the Department and Practice Groups.

Monitor attorney workloads, productivity, and performance; support the annual evaluation process.

Work cross-functionally to manage and promote attorney development and diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives.

Oversee the billable work assignment process for practice group lawyers as needed and collaborate with other colleagues in Practice Management to address cross-staffing needs.

Confer with the Practice Director, PGL, and practice team leaders to determine attorney recruiting/hiring needs for the practices. Provide onboarding and integration support to junior associates and lateral attorney hires.

Work with Practice Group and practice team leaders, as well as with Professional Development colleagues to plan and conduct formal training programs for lawyers.

Review and analyze monthly financial reports on utilization, productivity, time entry, workflow, and related firm statistics, to monitor key performance indicators, and raise trends and highlights of analysis to Practice Director to ensure optimal practice performance. Work with colleagues in the finance department to address specific reporting needs for the Practice Groups and practice teams.

Plan, organize, and support Department and Practice Group meetings and retreats, including coordinating with appropriate administrative departments, preparing, and communicating agendas and materials, and developing and executing action items.

Collaborate with attorneys, IT, Innovation, and Business Intelligence teams to define, implement, and maintain appropriate knowledge management systems.

Facilitate communication across Practice Group to proactively identify areas for process improvement and partner with Practice Director to develop solutions consistent with internal best practices; identify and act on opportunities for implementation of best practices across all Practice Management teams.

Communicate and coordinate Practice Group support staff needs for Paralegals, Legal Practice Assistants with Human Resources and Legal Support Administrators.

Ensure Practice Group receives adequate technical support in all service areas, including Finance, Business Development, and Library Services for appropriate technology procurement to support emerging work and projects.

Participate in formulation of Practice Group expense budgets and track expenditures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, and discretion regarding sensitive and confidential matters.

Motivated self-started, with the ability to work independently as well as on a team with minimal supervision and to collaborate effectively across administrative departments and practice groups in all offices.

Service mindset and the ability to take the initiative, identify and solve problems, and marshal appropriate resources.

Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and gain the trust of the attorneys and professional staff.

Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks and to execute with an attention to detail, even when under pressure.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Awareness and understanding of business processes and ability to identify areas for process improvement to develop and implement best practices.

Ability to delegate appropriate tasks to the Practice Management Coordinator and Assistant.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite is preferred, as well as an ability to quickly learn and utilize additional software solutions.

Flexibility and a positive attitude.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD) preferred.

Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a law firm or other professional services firm strongly preferred.

Experience managing Transactional practices beneficial.