Director of Practice Management

Crowell & Moring•Chicago, IL

3d•$211,000 - $320,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Job Summary The Director of Practice Management is responsible for the daily execution of business needs and operations of the practice groups and/or department(s) with a strong emphasis on its strategy, work allocation, financial performance, and lawyer productivity and development. This hybrid role requires working in the office three days per week. While the position will ideally be based in our Chicago, IL office, the firm is open to candidates located in Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Orange County, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

A JD, MBA or other related advanced degree may substitute for required experience.
Exposure to a litigation-based practice group preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees daily operations and strategy execution for the department / practice group, focusing on financial performance, work allocation, and lawyer productivity and development.
Create and refine financial reports, collaborating with the finance team to streamline monthly reporting, identify trends, and advise on steps to improve financial objectives.
Monitor metrics such as revenue, utilization, realization, and productivity against annual goals.
Facilitate discussions on financial performance and strategy, ensuring alignment with department goals and business development.
Collaborate with pricing and project management teams to monitor and improve realization and profitability.
Drive the annual business planning and budgeting processes, establishing goals and objectives for practice groups.
Develop and execute growth initiatives, supporting the integration of new attorneys and ensuring robust onboarding plans.
Support the Department Chairs to identify appropriate lawyers to staff the most significant client matters within the Department.
Support professional development processes, ensuring appropriate training and development programs are in place.
Ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to all department functions, monitoring equitable distribution of opportunities and promotions.
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.