Apply on Employer Site

Crowell & Moring · 5 days ago

Director of Practice Management

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$225K/yr - $320K/yr

10+ years exp

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies. The Director of Practice Management is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and strategy execution of practice groups, focusing on financial performance and lawyer productivity and development.

ConsultingLegal

Responsibilities

Department and/or Practice Group Management: Oversees daily operations and strategy execution for the department / practice group, focusing on financial performance, work allocation, and lawyer productivity and development

Financial Performance: Create and refine financial reports, collaborating with the finance team to streamline monthly reporting, identify trends, and advise on steps to improve financial objectives

Track Performance Metrics: Monitor metrics such as revenue, utilization, realization, and productivity against annual goals

Coordinate Discussions: Facilitate discussions on financial performance and strategy, ensuring alignment with department goals and business development

Oversee Pricing and Profitability: Collaborate with pricing and project management teams to monitor and improve realization and profitability

Lead Business Planning: Drive the annual business planning and budgeting processes, establishing goals and objectives for practice groups

Support Recruiting and Talent Management: Develop and execute growth initiatives, supporting the integration of new attorneys and ensuring robust onboarding plans

Lawyer Staffing: Support the Department Chairs to identify appropriate lawyers to staff the most significant client matters within the Department

Enhance Lawyer Development: Support professional development processes, ensuring appropriate training and development programs are in place

Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to all department functions, monitoring equitable distribution of opportunities and promotions

Technology: Liaise with innovation and IT teams to develop and implement knowledge management and client value initiatives

Monitor financial and other performance metrics of the practice groups within the Department, including with regard to revenue, utilization, realization, and productivity, and against annual goals. Advise on steps to improve and achieve identified financial objectives

Coordinate quarterly practice group leader discussions with the Department Chair to discuss financial performance, among other topics

Work with the finance team to prepare for and hold annual rate setting conversations with the Department Chair, Practice Group Leaders and Finance Partners

Ensure the smooth operations of the practice groups by taking on ad hoc projects and tasks, working with other internal teams as appropriate

Qualification

Law firm business functionsFinancial performance analysisProject managementBudgeting principlesCollaboration in matrixed organizationTactDiplomacyEffective communicationRelationship building

Required

Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the business functions of a law firm including finance, accounting and analysis

Demonstrated ability to anticipate issues and identify alternatives, recommendations and implement effective courses of action

Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations using tact and diplomacy

Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing complex information and ideas effectively to all levels of personnel and management

Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a global matrixed organization in roles that require influencing change without authority while securing buy-in and engagement of senior management

Proven ability to delegate effectively and manage projects and tasks to completion in an efficient, collaborative and timely manner

Demonstrated ability to develop relationships of trust and confidence with peers, subordinates and leaders

Knowledge of basic accounting and/or budgeting principles and the ability to track, organize, analyze and report financial data in a clear manner

The position required a Bachelor's degree

The position requires a minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience with a record of achievement and increasing responsibility

Direct experience in a law firm or professional services environments essential