Associate Director, Practice Management

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Global Practice Management will coordinate administrative, financial and operational support for the practice group, in collaboration with relevant colleagues across the Firm’s administrative functions (including Financial Services, BD/Marketing, Talent Management, Human Resources, Information Technology and Facilities). The Associate Director of Global Practice Management will also serve as a sounding board for the Practice Group Leader(s) and others within the group regarding a range of management and operational issues.

Primary

Duties and Responsibilities

• Financial Management
• Prepares monthly analyses for practice leadership regarding the group’s YTD and MTD performance, drawing attention to noteworthy accomplishments as well as areas requiring attention/action. Includes the monitoring of lawyer utilization (and, if applicable, paralegal and other non-lawyer timekeepers) and the flagging of noteworthy outliers for the Practice Group Leader(s) and/or Talent Lead(s).
• Helps with monitoring (and, in some practice groups, approving) write-offs exceeding certain amounts, thereby making it easier to identify, analyze and address issues and trends.
• Sits on Firm’s Collections Committee and plays significant role with the practice group’s billings/collections activities.
• Assists with development of annual revenue and expense budgets for the practice group, as well as periodic reforecasts during the year to ascertain the continued validity of budget assumptions.
• Reviews and approves practice group expenses.
• Assists Practice Group Leader(s) with their evaluation of the profitability of the group and individual practices, including assisting with their preparation for sharing ratio recommendations/presentations.
• Monitors and reports on business development spending, including in comparison to plan.
• Assists with the consideration of billing rate recommendations and client/matter fee proposals.
• Strategic Planning and Key Events
• In collaboration with Director of Global Practice Management and colleagues in Business Development, coordinates annual/periodic strategic planning process for the practice group, and plays a significant role with regard to:
• Drafting of the group’s business plan and SWOT
• Providing/arranging for any required analytical support
• Monitoring and analyzing progress during course of year
• Implementation of certain initiatives
• Liaises with partners regarding their key client relationships and coverage efforts, and helps them to address any issues (such as financial results) that would benefit from attention/action/additional analysis. Also remains focused on cross-selling objectives and opportunities.
  
  
• Talent Management
• Collaborates with Talent Leads and colleagues in Talent Management on the following:
• Ensuring timely and accurate preparation/delivery of annual evaluations and management of performance issues
• Professional development needs
• Work allocation
• Mentoring and diversity/inclusion efforts
• Secondments of associates to clients
• Drafting of proposed counsel promotion memoranda
• Assisting with transitioning of matters resulting from departures
• Assists with internal recruiting personnel in efforts to identify, attract and integrate new lateral partners and other lawyers, draft internal sponsorship memoranda, and plays active role in post-hire integration.
• Monitors information regarding the ‘organic’ partnership pipeline, so that there is sufficient clarity as to the likely/potential partnership candidates over the next few years.
• Plays key role in explaining recurring reports and practice group procedures/systems to new partners, (organic and laterals) as well as other lawyers.
  
  
• Internal Communication and Meetings
• Coordinates periodic practice group meetings and maintains calendar of meetings
• Develops meeting agendas, prepares/arranges for handouts and other meeting materials and maintains meeting notes and monitors follow-up items.
• Presents certain topics as needed and helps to ensure communication of notable activities and best practices within the group.
• Attends quarterly meetings with leadership and memorializes key discussion topics and action items.
• Keeps ear to the ground and advises Director of Global Practice Management of lawyers and staff who would benefit from hearing from the Practice Group Leader; helping to ensure recognition of successes and the proliferation of best practices as well as enhancing the ability to get in front of potential problems.
• Plays a key role with communicating practice group activities, needs and goals to internal constituencies (in part to help maximize collaboration and cross-selling across groups and offices) with firm leadership, individual partners, other lawyers, and management/administrative departments.
• Support Service Delivery
• Communicates with administrative departments regarding the group’s goals, needs, programs, problems, etc. and is a key “go to” person for the Practice Group Leader(s), talent leads, partners and others in the group regarding support service/operational needs and ensures that effective solutions are identified and implemented.
  
  
  

Secondary

• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Working Conditions

• Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is often dependent on input from others.
• Long hours are frequently required.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualification

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required. MBA or related advanced degree a plus.
  
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a legal administrator or senior operational management role, preferably in a sophisticated law firm or other professional services environment. A deep understanding of law firms and the legal industry more broadly is preferred.
  
  
  

Special Knowledge:

• Proven ability to interact well with colleagues at all levels within a law firm or similar environment (e.g., partners, other lawyers, peers, other staff).
  
  
  

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of Firm computer software. Advanced knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint strongly preferred.
  
  
  

Attributes:

• Strong analytical skills are required, with the ability to compile and assess large volumes of data and subsequently communicate findings in an effective manner to interested parties. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including possessing confident and engaging presentation skills. Ability to juggle numerous high-visibility projects, frequently on tight timetables. Ability to work well under pressure with a sense of urgency and with a professional demeanor at all times.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Excellent human resources and employee relations skills and sensitivity to the characteristics and complexities of a partnership. Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and implement change and build on progress in an effective and inclusive manner. Strong organizational skills coupled with attention to detail and the ability to solve problems effectively and creatively.
  
  
  

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and skills required of personnel so classified. The firm reserves the right to revise or modify this job description at any time.