Practice Development Manager - Asset Management

Ropes & Gray•Boston, MA

7d•$150,100 - $257,600•Hybrid

About The Position

The Practice Development Manager (PDM) will serve as a trusted advisor to the Practice Group Leaders (PGLs), Specialty Group Leaders (SGLs), partners, and Director of Practice Development (PDD) of the Asset Management group. This role is focused on supporting the Registered Funds practice within Asset Management. The PDM will work directly with Registered Funds leadership to set the strategy, drive accountability, and ensure operational efficiency within the Registered Funds practice group. In this role, the PDM will report to the Director of Practice Development and work closely with other departments (e.g., Finance, Attorney Development, Attorney Talent, BD, Marketing, HR, Knowledge Management, Office of General Counsel, etc.) to support the practice’s strategic vision, business operations, financial profitability, resource management, and plans of the Registered Funds practice. The ideal candidate will have asset management/registered funds expertise and/or experience working in a large law firm or other professional services; exemplary leadership skills; at least eight years of experience managing complex business operations and teams; a proven track record of successful performance; outstanding communication skills (both verbal and written); experience working with colleagues on all levels; a positive, can-do attitude; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; as well as a willingness to pitch in and roll up their sleeves to help the practice group achieve its business objectives. Occasional travel may be necessary.

Requirements

Exemplary leadership skills.
Ability to establish credibility with Ropes & Gray partners, to bring to bear the right mix of confidence, tact, and persistence in working with the firm’s lawyers.
Confidence and professionalism to interact credibly and diplomatically with all levels in an organization, including partners and firm management - tailoring communications effectively for different groups and stakeholders.
Strong business acumen, project management, analytical skills, and proven attention to detail.
Ability to develop and successfully execute comprehensive project and operational plans from broadly stated objectives.
Desire to learn.
Ability to identify and solve problems, work independently, and take initiative.
Ability to compile and determine logical conclusions or recommendations based on data and information which is varied in content and format.
Excellent presentation, writing, and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to roll-up sleeves and get things done.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with people at all levels. Positive, can-do attitude.
Ability to work collaboratively with professional staff in a multi-office environment.
Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm's internal and personnel affairs.
Experience in asset management/registered funds or in a mid-sized to large law firm preferred.
Bachelor’s degree.
At least eight years’ applicable experience working in a mid-sized to large law firm or corporate environment in a similar field and/or as a practicing attorney.
Candidate must have proven problem-solving abilities, be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and take responsibility for designing and implementing goals.
Prior people management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and strong delegation skills.

Nice To Haves

JD or MBA preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with practice and specialty group leadership, partners, and other key stakeholders to develop a vision and strategic Registered Funds group plan with clear and achievable goals focused on competitive differentiation, market/brand reputation, talent, and profitability.
Support Registered Funds leadership with the daily operations of the group, including preparing for, designing, and running substantive initiatives and meetings that maintain focus on group priorities.
Identify opportunities for improvement, innovation, and efficiency in business operations, matter management, infrastructure, methodologies, and develop solutions and plans for corresponding action.
Relentlessly execute and track progress on initiatives in support of the firm and Registered Funds and Asset Management group strategies.
Focus on Registered Funds talent/needs by working with SGLs, PGLs, partners, and Attorney Talent to manage partner and counsel transitions that include: evaluating the overall talent needs for the PG; on-boarding and integrating lateral partners and counsel; preparing business cases for partner promotions; integrating promoted partners; planning for partner retirements/succession planning. Collaborate with partners to draft candidate sponsor memoranda and integration plans.
Work with SGLs, PGLs, and partners to identify and execute on Registered Funds group knowledge management needs in collaboration with the Legal Knowledge Management team.
Collaborate with SGLs, PGLs, and partners to focus on Registered Funds innovation through product development and thought leadership campaigns. Partner with attorneys, Legal Knowledge Management, Business Development, and Marketing teams to drive knowledge marketing product development and distribution.
Work with the Business Development, Public Relations, and Events teams to raise attorney profiles by identifying speaking opportunities, conferences, sponsorships, and writing opportunities to further implement knowledge marketing efforts.
Strategize approach for and oversee the preparation of various legal ranking submissions. Develop and oversee processes to track Registered Funds experience.
Facilitate sharing of practice area developments and information with appropriate business support teams.
Monitor current trends and best practices in legal and professional services management; communicate the impact of new innovations, developments, and regulations.
Collaborate with Finance colleagues to analyze Registered Funds practice financial performance (revenue, profitability, realization, utilization, WIP, A/R); work with SGLs, PGLs, and PDD to drive performance, growth, leverage, realization, and profitability. Prepare and manage PG budgets.
Manage Practice Development Specialists, Experience Analysts, and Coordinators through coaching, mentoring, and delegation of practice group projects and routine tasks.
Support the development and implementation of AI-enabled practice development practices—particularly around identifying new product development, strategic planning workflows, and lateral hiring market research and onboarding workflows, building scalable processes, and ensuring team proficiency in AI tools.