Practice Coordinator (Appellate)

Morrison & Foerster, LLP•San Francisco, CA

2d•$80,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Practice Coordinator performs a wide range of administrative tasks to support assigned attorneys and other timekeepers and plays an integral role in daily practice support, combining premier assistance with administrative, organizational, project-based, and practice-related responsibilities to provide comprehensive support. The Coordinator leverages detailed knowledge of legal procedures, firm operations, and client needs to ensure seamless and efficient management of attorney schedules, client matters, billing, and practice-related projects. This individual provides a high level of client service and support while producing a high volume of consistently excellent work product.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business, finance, or a related field and relevant certifications is highly preferred.
Minimum 3+ years’ experience supporting attorneys, including partners, in a law firm or professional services environment. Experience managing complex administrative tasks, legal documents, and sophisticated scheduling required and an in depth understanding of law firm practice areas.
Experience coordinating cross-functional or interdepartmental projects and ensuring that deadlines are met.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Acrobat Pro, DocuSign, electronic filing platforms, document management systems, CRM platforms, expense reimbursement, time, attendance and billing tracking software (e.g., Aderant or 3E) is essential.
A strong ability to learn and adapt to new software applications and technological tools. Comfort with ongoing changes in technology and willingness to embrace new systems and processes as they are introduced.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective internal and external client relationships. Excellent grammar, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced practice group. Must exhibit discretion, diplomacy, and professionalism in verbal and written communications. Ability to interact effectively with all levels of management and staff and a variety of external entities, including clients and prospective clients of the firm.
Ability to work under pressure and complete job assignments in an accurate and timely manner. Strong organizational skills and the ability to apply strong attention to detail to all levels of work. Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
Uses sound decision making and judgment. Skilled in prioritizing high-volume workloads, solving problems proactively, and maintaining confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to maintain positive internal and external client relationships and anticipate needs.
Eagerness to refine processes and adopt best practices for tasks like billing, filings, or scheduling. Exhibits a proactive approach to learning, including seeking out training opportunities and resources to enhance technological skills.

Responsibilities

Maintains detailed calendars displaying appointments, deadlines, travel schedules, and conference calls. Proactively tracks important dates to ensure timely completion of key tasks.
Provides professional relationship management with external and internal clients. Serves as a direct point of contact for telephone calls, emails, and in-person inquiries. Exercises sound judgment when screening communications, facilitating effective follow-up and high-quality client service.
Creates and maintains client/matter lists and communication lists. Maintains contacts in Outlook and Salesforce.
Manages both paper and electronic files in compliance with the firm’s records management policies, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy. Creates and maintains working files and binders as requested. Utilizes firm-provided software to accurately store email messages and maintain and retrieve files.
In conjunction with Paralegals, may prepare or coordinate the preparation of Responses to Auditor Requests. Assists with preparation of Opinion Letters.
Utilizes firm-designated workflow software to open and close matters. Processes and tracks conflict reports. Prepares engagement letters. Initiates client file transfer requests and assists with client disengagements. May facilitate the secure transfer of case/client data in accordance with firm’s data security policy.
Creates, edits, proofreads, and finalizes complex and practice specific legal and administrative documents, forms, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Engages in active coordination of practice-related projects such as practice group meetings and initiatives, client or industry research, and event planning. Interprets objectives, designs project timelines, and ensures that deliverables align with the firm’s expectations.
Supports attorneys’ efforts to maintain client relationships. Coordinates pitch materials, tracks leads, updates contact databases, and arranges key client meetings. Assists with social media or targeted outreach.
Partners with other administrative departments (Billing, Marketing, IT, Office Services) to assemble critical information, coordinate billing tasks, and maintain client satisfaction.
Upon attorney request, diligently manages attorney time, including inputting timenotes provided by attorney, editing and proofreading, and ensuring compliance with matter codes and billing guidelines. Proactively reminds attorneys of time entry deadlines and collaborates with them to ensure timely submission. Collaborates with attorneys to finalize and submit time daily.
Collaborates with Client Account Manager, Pricing Team, and attorneys to respond to client requests for budgets, projections, costs incurred, and related reports.
Collaborates with Client Account Specialist or Client Account Manager and assigned timekeepers to manage billing process, including editing prebills, generating reports, and performing final proofing and sending out final invoices. May assist with collection efforts. Coordinates client, matter, and timekeeper inquiries.
Prepares expense reimbursements, reconciles travel expenditures, arranges for payment of invoices, and prepares check requests as needed.
Books travel (domestic and international) through designated travel providers, considering attorney preferences, cost guidelines, and itinerary efficiencies.
Organizes in-person or virtual conferences, meetings, meals, seminars, and client events, including making reservations, sending invitations and tracking attendees, booking conference rooms, catering arrangements, confirming audio/video logistics, and final follow-up.
Thoroughly organizes itineraries, prepares comprehensive travel documents, and disseminates meeting agendas or background information in advance. Prepares and disseminates both hard-copy and electronic materials.
Works proactively and efficiently to free attorneys from administrative burdens, allowing them to focus on core legal tasks. Anticipates attorneys’ needs by outlining upcoming deadlines, preparing relevant background materials, and prioritizing tasks.
Communicates professionally and courteously with clients, external counsel, and vendors, upholding a polished firm image.
Provides backup support to other attorneys and timekeepers as needed. Volunteers for overflow work assignments when time permits and actively seeks to maximize productivity and promote teamwork. May participate in departmental projects designed to streamline workflow and/or resolve issues. Proactively supports the firm’s strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
Acts and assists as a proactive mentor for junior department members and new employees. Assists with training on specific firm processes, software, and procedures as requested.

Benefits

MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
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.

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