Senior Practice Management Specialist

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP•Seattle, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to work for one of the top law firms in the U.S.! Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is looking for a Senior Practice Management Specialist to join our team in our Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Culver City, New York City, or Washington D.C. offices. We offer a hybrid work engagement with three days of remote work, and two days in-office. Practice Management (PM) plays an instrumental role in helping our lawyers operate more effectively and efficiently to drive revenue growth, better utilize time spent on non-billable activities, facilitate the integration of lateral hires, and foster a collaborative environment to leverage all our business professional teams' capabilities to support our lawyers in building their practices and serving clients. The Practice Management Team comprises revenue enablers who ensure operational efficiency; develop, drive, and execute on PG/industry strategic vision; provide financial insights that drive economic improvements; support client value initiatives; and otherwise support each practice's business needs and operations. As a member of the practice management team, the Senior Practice Management Specialist will support the assigned senior practice manager, the Practice Group Chairs (PGCs) and practice leaders with the practice group's business needs and operations. In this role, the Senior Practice Management Specialist will develop an unparalleled knowledge of the inner workings of the Firm and provide timely and effective responses to the practice manager and the Practice Group they support. At Davis Wright Tremaine, you will find challenging assignments, opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and a culture of inclusion. DWT fosters inclusiveness and authenticity. Regardless of position, everyone here has a voice and the support is unparalleled.

Requirements

4+ years of law firm or professional services organization is desired, or equivalent internship and education.
Law firm operations or business development experience is a plus
Bachelor's Degree; College degree and demonstrated academic excellence is strongly preferred
Ability to take ownership of projects and handle multiple projects simultaneously is required
Demonstrated writing ability and excellent grammar, spelling and proofreading skills are required
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain effective working relationships and communicate verbally and in writing in a professional, courteous manner with clients, firm members, and other business contacts are required
Ability to interact with lawyers and staff at all levels is required
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Products required, i.e. Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel; CRM technology a plus
Ability to pay close attention to detail and be highly organized and accurate is required
General familiarity with the practice of law is a plus

Nice To Haves

Law firm operations or business development experience is a plus
General familiarity with the practice of law is a plus
CRM technology a plus

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Practice Manager to support the daily execution of business needs / operations of the Practice Group, including developing and managing the practice operations budget, establishing a consistent framework for Practice Group meetings and communications, supporting Firm processes and follow-up on initiatives/action items, etc.
Provide significant support to the Practice Manager by assisting with tasks related to the responsibility of all operations related to the practice group by working closely with its attorneys and professionals, as well as the firm’s business departments including, but not limited to: Information Governance, HR, Knowledge Management, Finance/Accounting, Recruiting, Marketing, Business Development, Client Experience, Professional Development, DEI, and Pro Bono
Drive efficiencies and process improvements and introduce innovative approaches to improve the overall operation of the practice group and infrastructure, driving improved service to the Firm’s clients and generating revenue.
Work in tandem with the Practice Manager and other departments to implement process improvements that will improve service levels to the lawyers
Maintain practice-specific resources that pertain to lawyer-led trainings
Guide attorneys on efficient use of technology to improve service delivery, especially AI
Support the Practice Manager with creating a strategic vision for the practice group, industry teams, and/or investment area
Collaborate with Practice Manager, PG Chairs, partners and other business operations departments to facilitate the development and execution of Practice Group strategic plans with clear and achievable goals focused on culture, revenue, profitability, growth and retention, reputation, brand awareness, profile and competitive differentiation
Support the firm’s strategic value that “People Matter” by building trust and credibility with partners, counsel, and associates, including developing an in-depth understanding of experiences, capabilities, strengths, development needs, and relevant personal circumstances
Collaborate with relevant business departments to provide trainings on “soft skills” such as client relationship management, business development, client feedback, etc.
Provide operational and strategic support client teams for the firm’s top and fastest growing clients
Work with Professional Development Partners (PDPs) to ensure that each attorney in the group is fully utilized, with the opportunity to work on a variety of matters and with a variety of partners, while balancing development opportunities with client needs
Assist the Practice Manager with attorney integration, ensuring that all attorneys who join the Firm have an unparalleled integration experience.
In collaboration with the Practice Manager, act as point person to facilitate problem solving and address attorney concerns related to operational and strategic objectives
Track and report utilization data and proactively flag underutilized and overutilized associates
Work closely with the Practice Manager and Firm’s Professional Development to develop training content and support the appropriate development, evaluation, and training of practice group attorneys.
Analyze Practice Group financials and other key performance indicators to monitor timekeeper utilization, performance trends, and overall practice revenue.
Manage Practice Group budgets and expenses
Assist practice manager with analyzing monthly AR and collections efforts
Provide support and PG specific information and customization as needed to Business Development and Marketing department on strategic initiatives; RFP and pitch responses; targeted marketing collateral, accolades and recognition, etc., and ensure alignment of resources
Work with business development and other staff departments to promote client and group initiatives, including client training programs and presentations (CLEs)