Practice Manager

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

About the Role

Responsible for the daily management and business operations of the Intellectual Property Department in assigned office(s), with a strong emphasis on work allocation, professional development, and relationship building. Act as a liaison with other Firm legal and administrative groups as needed.
Assists with proactively supporting client service by actively participating in the firm's Service Excellence initiative. Ensures that staff members are providing quality service to internal members/departments of the firm as well as external clients and vendors by displaying professionalism via electronic and print correspondence, over the telephone and in-person and by encouraging an atmosphere that rewards a "can do" attitude.

What You Will Be Doing

Attorney Professional Development and Work Assignment Staffing

• Manage billable and pro bono assignment process for the Intellectual Property Department in assigned office(s), and collaborate with colleagues in the Practice Management Department to address cross-office staffing needs.
• Provide counsel, senior associates, and associates with assignments that provide appropriate professional development opportunities commensurate with experience.
• Coordinate reassignment of projects when attorneys are on vacation or other leaves of absence. Assist in the administration of extended leave policies as needed.
• Coordinate bi-annual evaluation process for counsel, senior associates, and associates, in conjunction with our Legal Personnel Department, partner mentors and Practice Management team.
• Provide orientation support to junior associates and lateral hires.
• Work with partners, Intellectual Property Department Director, and the Professional Development and Training team to plan and conduct formal training programs for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
• Work with Department/Practice Group management, Intellectual Property Department Director and Legal Personnel Department as requested to address personnel issues involving lawyers.

Department Management and Reporting

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of Department and/or Practice Group strategic plans.
• Assist in the preparation of Department and/or Practice Group reporting, including the preparation of monthly productivity reports for Department Leaders, Practice Group Leaders, the Management Committee, and the Chief Practice Management Officer.
• Coordinate Department and Practice Group level projects as assigned by the Intellectual Property Department Director.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Intellectual Property Department leaders in assigned office(s).
• Assist in coordinating, planning, and providing follow-up support to Department and Practice Group meetings, retreats, and other group meetings. Maintain meeting notes and follow up on action items. Coordinate room and technical requirements between firm's various offices as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Business Development and Marketing

• Provide support to the Intellectual Property Department Director and Client Development Departments for Department and practice group marketing and business development activities, including pitches and RFPs.
• Coordinate with the Client Development Department and Intellectual Property Department Director to oversee lateral partner integration initiatives.
• Assist in the coordination of events involving members of the Departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Financial

• Support Department Leaders and Finance Department with the tracking and management of alternative fee arrangements and other Matter Management reporting as necessary.

Paralegal Management

• Provides general management of assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s).
  In conjunction with the Intellectual Property Department Director and working closely with Human Resources responsible for the performance management of the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s), including but not limited to: ensuring the timely completion of Performance Reviews; responding to performance concerns and policy violations including violations to the time entry and in-office work policies.
• Conducts regular check-ins with Paralegals to review productivity and administrative issues; provide ongoing support and coaching, including regular status meetings; and addressing team resource needs and related process improvements to ensure efficiency in the delivery of paralegal services.
• Promotes effective collaboration between the Paralegals to support appropriate resource allocation including cross office staffing.
• Ensures goals set for the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s) are effectively and efficiently met.

What You Will Bring to This Position

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with lawyers, staff and peer administrators.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle a wide variety of responsibilities.
• Ability to identify and solve problems, take initiative and work independently under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

• Minimum five years' experience in professional services or legal environment preferred

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree required.

Why Join Us?

• A valuesdriven firm that fosters collaboration and respect
• The hiring range for this position is [80% to market - 100% to market] annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
• This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options
• Paid time off and holidays
• For additional information about our benefits, please click here

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here.

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This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.