The Practice Manager shall report to the Firm’s Managing Principal (MP) and will be responsible for the effective and efficient management of the assigned practice areas with a strong emphasis on financial performance and lawyer productivity. The Practice Manager will partner with the Practice Group Leaders (PGLs), Department Chairs, and the Office of Managing Principal (OMP) to address attorney integration, collection support, and attorney productivity and profitability within the assigned practice areas. The Practice Manager will work with the Region Administrative Managers and other administrative department heads to address business operation related issues and requests for the attorneys in their assigned practice areas. *This position is eligible for a hybrid/remote work arrangement within commuting distance to one of the firm’s offices as they will be required to go onsite as needed.*
RESPONSIBLITIES:
Attorney Performance & Integration:
- Review financial reports to identify trends and areas of opportunity or concern and work with PGLs, Department Chairs, and the OMP to develop strategies and action plans to resolved identified issues and meet productivity and performance metrics.
- Prepare, provide input, and deliver performance reports and annual performance reviews for attorneys within the assigned channel, involving the appropriate Department Chair as needed.
- Regularly meet with attorneys to review performance information, including utilization, origination, realization, and accounts receivable (AR) balances, and develop action plans to address any variances to stated targets.
- Manage attorney integration into the Firm by working with Department Chairs to facilitate introductions to PGLs and other attorneys, ensuring familiarity with Firm policies and procedures related to attorney compensation and performance, and providing insight and education on available reports and dashboards related to attorney performance.
- Participate in annual rate setting planning and assist Department Chairs, the OMP, and the Accounting & Finance team in the implementation of agreed upon rate increases.
- Work with PGLs, Department Chairs, and the Accounting & Finance team to monitor pricing and realization of alternative fee arrangements for individual attorneys and practice areas.
Receivables Management and Collections Support:
- Work directly with the Collections team to assist with client collections, as assigned, and report back on collections efforts with attorneys and clients.
- Monitor AR balances, AR aging, Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), and client payments against Work in Process (WIP) to identify areas of concern and work with Department Chairs and the Collections team to develop and implement strategies to address any issues.
- Monitor progress against stated matter budgets and work with PGLs and Department Chairs to address misbudgeted matters, including reforecasting of budgets, ensuring clients are properly informed of budget changes, and ongoing monitoring with the Credit and Collection Committee.
- Serve as a member of the Firm’s Billing Committee to review, discuss, and approve attorney requests to write-off WIP and provide client discounts.
Practice Area Support & Administrative Management:
- Work with specific practice areas and/or practice groups, as assigned, to resolve issues that may exist within practice areas and/or groups related to billing, support staff management, and timekeeper performance.
- Work with Department Chairs and PGLs as needed to gain understanding of nuances of specific practices areas and/or practice groups.
- Work with Department Chairs and PGLs to address staffing requests, including preparing hiring justifications and other supporting documentation.
- Escalate issues of concern to the appropriate PGL, Department Chair, or administrative department head.
- Work with the Paralegal Manager to ensure adequate paralegal support for assigned practice areas and address issues related to paralegal support and workflow.
- As assigned, provide additional workflow management, legal operations, and administrative support to work groups and practice areas.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the business functions of a law firm including finance, accounting, and analysis.
- Excellent judgment, self-reliant, and creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Superior managerial and analytical skills with the ability to translate analysis into actionable plans to deliver strategic and tactical results.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations using tact and diplomacy.
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, timekeepers, and staff.
QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE:
- 5+ years of relevant experience with a record of achievement and increasing responsibility.
- Strong experience with office productivity software (MS Office), especially Microsoft Excel for data analysis, performance modeling, and reporting.
- Business line management experience with an emphasis on financial performance and working with high-performing professionals or salespeople.
- Direct experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the United States. Offit Kurman offers a collegial and professional work environment, as well as competitive salary and benefits, to include Paid Time Off and 401(k) matching.
Please note that the base salary range is a guideline, and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level and competencies.
**This position is NOT open to agency submissions at this time.
