Practice Manager - Appellate & Constitutional Law

Gibson Dunn•Los Angeles, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm seeking a dynamic Practice Manager for its Appellate and Constitutional Law practice. This role will support the day-to-day business and operational tasks of the practice, as well as the development and implementation of strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of appellate and constitutional law, including Supreme Court practice and procedure, administrative law, and agency review. This position is a key part of the firm's business services function and will collaborate with practice group and firm leadership, as well as other business services departments. The role requires strong communication, leadership, subject matter expertise, and emotional intelligence, along with an understanding of legal practice within a law firm setting. The Practice Manager will report to the Firm’s Director of Practice Management, US Litigation, under the Chief Legal Operating Officer, and will take daily direction from the Practice Group Leaders.

Requirements

Strong understanding of federal and state appellate practice and procedure, constitutional law, administrative law, and U.S. Supreme Court and appellate advocacy.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Exceptional verbal and written communication and people skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Collaboration and facilitation skills to work with various departments.
Ability to work independently and with a team, and to delegate and manage resources effectively.
Strong leadership skills.
High degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment.
Creative thinker open to considering multiple approaches to issues.
Strong time management skills and ability to work under pressure.
Ability to coordinate multiple tasks concurrently and prioritize effectively.
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with Department personnel, Firm management, other attorneys and staff.
Highly motivated, strategic focus: ability to understand and support Firm goals, services, culture and strategy.
Understands and stays up to date on current legal market trends, news, and innovations.
Exhibits high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high-stressed, detail-oriented work environment.
Strong knowledge of the legal industry, relevant laws and regulations, and best practices and standards.
Ability to work independently to solve problems relating to both technical issues and situations involving coordination and collaboration with attorneys, non-attorney staff, and different administrative departments.
Bachelor’s degree and J.D. or Bachelor of Laws or equivalent graduate degree with strong academic credentials required.
Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience directly related to the duties or skills described herein, including at least two years’ experience as a manager of a function.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in a professional services firm, ideally a law firm.
Judicial clerkship experience (federal or state appellate) preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning: Work with practice group leadership to develop strategic business goals, objectives, and tactics aligned with Firm strategy. Assist in the preparation and implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
Talent Management & Development: Manage talent across groups, including assessments of recruiting and senior talent pipelines, development of performance improvement plans, and coordination with attorney review teams. Support the firm's free market system for associates and partners. Manage the associate journey, including mentorship, review support, and career guidance. Develop practice-specific educational trainings and CLE programming. Support attorney development through cross-functional collaboration.
Knowledge Management: Develop, maintain, and publicize practice group materials such as forms, templates, and databases. Serve as the central repository for practice group knowledge, including research materials, publications, and matter files. Coordinate and distribute periodic practice-specific updates on legal developments. Monitor relevant legal and news developments and circulate pertinent information.
Business Development & Marketing: Collaborate with marketing, business development, and communications teams to support business development efforts, including managing external events, rankings and awards submissions, and client updates.
Operations & Meeting Management: Develop agendas and drive follow-up for partner and group meetings. Manage tracking of practice-specific data, including matters, oral arguments, and staffing. Collaborate with peers across business support departments to manage initiatives. Identify opportunities for process improvement and drive execution. Assist with special projects.