Managing Attorney

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Washington, DC

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Attorney, Docket and Court Services is responsible for strategic, operational, and substantive functions of New York Docket Services, including management of calendaring protocol, court and e-filing services, providing procedural guidance, risk management and vendor relations. This individual will promote department’s effectiveness, including assessing client needs, organizing and directing workflow and training. Ensures client service and satisfaction are attained in all areas of the position.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor required.
• Previous supervisory experience required.
• Proficiency in managing automated litigation calendaring software and processes required.
• Highly effective communications skills and the ability to communicate with all levels in the organization and to build effective internal and external relationships.
• Strong sense of accountability, taking ownership over projects and responsibilities and resolving issues proactively.
• Skills to assess and analyze issues and needs and to determine priorities based on business objectives to provide responsive solutions.
• A highly proactive, solution-oriented approach to work and interactions.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and significant assignments.
• Talent for creating client satisfaction; demonstrated ability to focus on the client value in all work.
• Ability to assess information, anticipate issues and outcomes, and make effective decisions.
• Ability to apply big picture understanding to strategy and decision making.
• High comfort level with sometimes stressful client requirements.
• Ability to listen effectively and maintain professionalism under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

Nice To Haves

• 8+ years’ experience in law firms preferred.
• Previous experience with CompuLaw and/or Milana preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain standardized and consistent court and e-filing services support to all litigators.
• Assist Senior Managing Attorney in ensuring team’s ability to complete all court filing tasks necessary and conform to applicable court rules and procedures.
• Review documents prior to filing for conformity to court requirements.
• Effectively convey detailed information to ensure compliance with court rules.
• Guide attorneys and legal staff regarding service of process and document retrieval and other procedural information as requested.
• Anticipate obstacles and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Perform complex procedural research in key jurisdictions to support our practice.
• May provide support and/or exemplars to assist attorneys with drafting court documents.
• Select and direct use of third-party attorney services vendors to effect filing of documents, delivery, or research at any court.
• Negotiate vendor contracts in collaboration with the Firm’s procurement team.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency of calendar entries.
• Provide high-level procedural advice and support to case teams.
• May collaborate with other departments to meet litigators’ specific needs.
• Maintain and demonstrate sound knowledge of court/agency rules and procedures.
• Advise attorneys and team accordingly.
• Preparation and distribution of the weekly firmwide docket calendar, adhering to established departmental timelines.
• Maintain and monitor updates of court/agency rules and procedures, advise attorneys and staff accordingly.
• Promote compliance of Firm’s dual-calendaring requirement and Risk Management Policy.
• Demonstrate strong understanding of risk management issues applicable to Docket Services and ensure that department policies and practices support risk management objectives.
• Complete all tasks for onboarding and off-boarding attorneys and legal staff supported by Docket Services, including participating in orientations.
• In conjunction with the Senior Managing Attorney, provide formal and informal rules-related training for department staff as well as to attorneys, paralegals and other staff.
• Assist with attorney admissions and renewals.
• Help maintain internal department resources through the department’s team site and outward facing resources through the Firm’s portal sites.
• Assist with communication of annual rule changes to all litigators in a timely manner.
• Ensure staff is knowledgeable and trained in core competencies to maintain consistent support across offices.
• Provide supportive coaching; set achievable, challenging team goals; develop team members skills to ensure successful achievement of client service priorities.
• Promote consistency and fairness; maintain open door policy and facilitate open dialog.
• Ensure Firm policies and practices are followed within team.
• Manage the evaluation process for East Coast team members, including introductory reviews, annual reviews, and formal check-in meetings.
• Prepare and deliver timely, substantive feedback, including strategically aligned performance evaluations
• Identify and address team performance concerns and employee relations matters timely; collaborate with Human Resources and management to support effective and appropriate resolutions.
• Participate in recruiting process to maintain appropriate department staffing levels, including drafting and revision of position descriptions.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree