Practice Group Manager (IP Litigation)

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Washington, DC

104d • $144,000 - $212,000

About The Position

The Practice Group Manager (PGM) plays a critical role in the effective management and strategic development of the firm’s practice groups. Working closely with practice group leaders, firm leadership, and administrative departments, the PGM ensures that the group operates efficiently, aligns with firm priorities, and delivers outstanding client service. This role combines strategic planning, talent management, operational oversight, and cross-functional coordination to support the growth and success of the practice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. or M.B.A. strongly preferred.
• Experience in IP Litigation practice strongly preferred.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in roles such as practicing lawyer, paralegal, or equivalent business professional positions required.
• Law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with resource management and practice management tools preferred.
• Experience analyzing financial/operational data and translating into actionable insights.
• Proven success leading complex projects and initiatives across multiple offices or teams.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to link strategic goals to operational execution.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly effective communicator with strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence, build consensus, and drive change across senior stakeholders.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Possesses a strong ability to work successfully within cross office and departmental teams.

Responsibilities

• Track and report on key performance indicators, including productivity, revenue, and budget adherence, in collaboration with Finance.
• Plan and facilitate practice group meetings and strategic discussions; prepare agendas, materials, and follow-up action items.
• Understand the complexities of each partner’s practice and the resources needed to support the business.
• Partner with practice group leaders to set and execute strategic priorities, goals, and initiatives.
• Drive practice-specific projects, including plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Support pitches and RFP responses as needed, working closely with the Marketing and Business Development team.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development to design and deliver tailored training programs, onboarding, and mentorship initiatives.
• Liaise with IT for strategy on technology and innovation.
• Support attorney evaluations, performance management processes, and succession planning.
• Act as liaison to ensure business professionals are aligned across functions and responsive to practice needs.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across the firm.
• Ensure timely communication of practice group priorities to firm stakeholders.
• Lead or contribute to firmwide initiatives, process improvements, and innovation projects.
• Monitor workload distribution, staffing, and productivity; proactively identify imbalances, capacity constraints, and resource needs.
• Ensure alignment of staffing with attorney skills, experience, and career development goals.
• Anticipate and address workflow challenges, bottlenecks, and systemic issues.
• Ensure consistent application of firm policies (e.g., time entry, expenses, hybrid work).
• Implement contingency planning to manage unexpected workload shifts or business disruptions.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure compliance with firm policies and data security protocols.

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: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees