Manager, Managing Law Clerks

SK Battery America • Chicago, IL

23d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Manager, Managing Law Clerks to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Chicago office (hybrid). This individual will be responsible for overseeing the daily activities of the Managing Law Clerks (“MLC”) department. Additionally, they will supervise, train and develop department personnel. This position is a key member of the firm’s Litigation Department and works closely with the firm’s attorneys, paralegals and business professionals. Provides strategic calendar guidance, answers procedural questions, and conducts docket research. Stays current on court procedure and rule changes, including the review, analysis and interpretation of changing court rules and procedures and informing attorneys of their applicability and effect. Dockets and calendars deadlines for the Chicago office MLC department through the Firm's calendar software Milana. Processes and coordinates complex state and federal court conventional and electronic filings, docket monitors, research requests, service of process, and document retrieval assignments.. Manages Chicago based MLC personnel, executes MLC department goals and initiatives with the New York based Managing Attorney. Utilizes various MLC department systems, procedures and technologies to automate the delivery of court filings, distribute high-level procedural guidance and Firm litigation experience data to counsel. Acts as a liaison between the Firm and various state and federal court personnel. Utilizes various software systems and internal Firm reports to onboard new client-matters. Collaborates with staff to ensure calendar procedures and department workflows are standardized. Prepares and issues calendar software reports. Conducts comprehensive reviews of daily and weekly litigation calendars, utilizing automated checks and reports to rectify any discrepancies. Proactively provides litigation support services by disseminating content compiled in the Managing Law Clerks Database (“MLCD”) and confirms filings, services of process related documents, and documents retrieval requests are placed in the MLCD. Reviews documents for rule compliance prior to service and filing. Conducts docket research to support attorneys with procedural guidance, sample precedent documents and insight into judges preferences. Utilizes vendor PacerPro to onboard new federal court action(s) where a Skadden attorney has or will appear. Follows MLC department policy of maintaining accurate pro hac vice admission data and retention of Chicago office attorney e-filing credentials. Performs departmental administrative functions, including timely submission of vendor invoices, department file maintenance, and electronic organization of department records. Provides accurate and timely responses to business service professionals and counsel requests. Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process. Notifies the Managing Attorney promptly of any filing, vendor, or operational issues that may arise within the department. Trains staff to perform core Managing Law Clerks office functions. Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm policies. Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance. Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems. Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department. Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values. Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures. Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned department(s). Collaborates with the Chicago Office Administrative Director to forecast financial and budget requirements for the department. Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others. Manages Firm resources responsibly. Regular and reliable physical presence. Complies with and understands Firm operations, policies and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Expertise in federal and state court rules of practice and procedures, filings and good working relationships with court personnel.
• Knowledge of federal and Illinois state judicial rules, especially in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
• A no-task-too-small attitude and the ability to constantly reprioritize an ever-shifting workload.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
• Maintains contact with court personnel to keep current on changes at the courts.
• Seasoned knowledge of court rules and procedures.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Enhanced understanding of local state and federal court operations.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Capable of managing multiple projects, tasks and remain organized while prioritizing and delegating work.
• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends and techniques.
• Attention to detail is essential in this role.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff.
• Capacity to handle sensitive material and maintain confidentiality.
• Competence to work well in a demanding fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to adjust hours as necessary to meet department and Firm needs.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five years' law firm supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the daily activities of the Managing Law Clerks (“MLC”) department.
• Supervise, train and develop department personnel.
• Provides strategic calendar guidance, answers procedural questions, and conducts docket research.
• Stays current on court procedure and rule changes, including the review, analysis and interpretation of changing court rules and procedures and informing attorneys of their applicability and effect.
• Dockets and calendars deadlines for the Chicago office MLC department through the Firm's calendar software Milana.
• Processes and coordinates complex state and federal court conventional and electronic filings, docket monitors, research requests, service of process, and document retrieval assignments.
• Manages Chicago based MLC personnel, executes MLC department goals and initiatives with the New York based Managing Attorney.
• Utilizes various MLC department systems, procedures and technologies to automate the delivery of court filings, distribute high-level procedural guidance and Firm litigation experience data to counsel.
• Acts as a liaison between the Firm and various state and federal court personnel.
• Utilizes various software systems and internal Firm reports to onboard new client-matters.
• Collaborates with staff to ensure calendar procedures and department workflows are standardized.
• Prepares and issues calendar software reports.
• Conducts comprehensive reviews of daily and weekly litigation calendars, utilizing automated checks and reports to rectify any discrepancies.
• Proactively provides litigation support services by disseminating content compiled in the Managing Law Clerks Database (“MLCD”) and confirms filings, services of process related documents, and documents retrieval requests are placed in the MLCD.
• Reviews documents for rule compliance prior to service and filing.
• Conducts docket research to support attorneys with procedural guidance, sample precedent documents and insight into judges preferences.
• Utilizes vendor PacerPro to onboard new federal court action(s) where a Skadden attorney has or will appear.
• Follows MLC department policy of maintaining accurate pro hac vice admission data and retention of Chicago office attorney e-filing credentials.
• Performs departmental administrative functions, including timely submission of vendor invoices, department file maintenance, and electronic organization of department records.
• Provides accurate and timely responses to business service professionals and counsel requests.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
• Notifies the Managing Attorney promptly of any filing, vendor, or operational issues that may arise within the department.
• Trains staff to perform core Managing Law Clerks office functions.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm policies.
• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
• Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems.
• Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures.
• Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned department(s).
• Collaborates with the Chicago Office Administrative Director to forecast financial and budget requirements for the department.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Regular and reliable physical presence.
• Complies with and understands Firm operations, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees