Practice Manager, Finance

Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP•Any US Office, UNAVAILABLE

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Orrick is seeking a Practice Manager for their Finance Business Unit to support strategic, financial, talent, and operational objectives. This role involves overseeing and managing associate and of counsel utilization, addressing resource demands, adhering to financial management best practices, and enhancing profitability. The Practice Manager will focus on managing associate staffing, utilization, and professional development, applying an understanding of client service needs, staffing requirements, pricing arrangements, and financial metrics to support practice leaders and partners. This position is part of a growing practice management team within the firm.

Requirements

Strong preference for an individual who has practiced law for at least 5 years in a large law firm or corporate legal department.
Significant experience working in Finance areas preferred.
Additional experience in a practice management role at a law firm or professional services firm preferred.
Excellent project management, prioritization, attention to detail and organizational skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate with teams of partners, associates and other professionals at all levels.
Ability to work efficiently in a matrix environment, which requires frequent collaboration with cross-department teams.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and decision making.
Demonstrated ability to be discreet and treat confidential information appropriately.
Demonstrated ability to effectively use technology, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software at an advanced level.
Ability to deliver strong customer service, commit to meeting deadlines, and multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Exceptional problem solving and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and financial and data information systems.
J.D. preferred; MBA or equivalent industry experience considered.

Responsibilities

Manage all associate-related matters, particularly in the U.S.
Connect with associates to discuss professional development goals and perceived skills gaps, and to socialize the Practice Manager role.
Assist associates in identifying training resources and tools for client work and professional development.
Monitor the professional development of U.S. associates and help allocate new matters to ensure equitable distribution of assignments consistent with client needs and attorney development goals.
Drive practice group utilization and manage the work allocation process for U.S. associates in the Finance Business Unit in coordination with partners and the Chief Practice Officer.
Track, aggregate, and analyze associate metrics, including availability and utilization rates, and partner with the Chief Practice Officer and associates to achieve productivity goals.
Support staffing requests from partners.
Coordinate with the Chief Practice Officer and Practice Group Leaders to identify staffing needs and hiring targets, partnering with Talent and Finance teams to ensure hiring efforts support group goals and firm profitability.
Collaborate with the Chief Practice Officer, Practice Group Leaders, and Talent to coordinate substantive training for associates.
Collaborate with the Talent team and Chief Practice Officer to address associates facing challenges, ensuring appropriate mentoring, training, and other actions are taken.
Manage associate/partner mentor assignments and discuss them with associates.
Facilitate the practice group integration of new associates and of counsel.
Collaborate with the innovation team to assign the right resource to the right task, leveraging various firm resources to maximize impact on client matters.
Assist the Chief Practice Officer with certain Practice Administration tasks.
Cultivate relationships with practice group leader(s) to build practice group connectivity, rapport, and trust.
Initiate ideas for improving matter profitability, including efficient allocation of internal resources and staff.
Approve specific expense reimbursement requests, non-billable travel, write-offs, and similar administrative tasks in accordance with firm policies.
Research, compile data, and perform business and financial analysis related to practice group strategic initiatives and projects.
Provide ad hoc financial analysis (profitability, billing, collections, time entry, utilization, etc.).
Coordinate with the records team and relevant timekeepers to facilitate associate exit procedures.
Collaborate with and support practice leaders on practice group communications.