Senior Practice Group Manager (Government Contracts/Labor & Employment)

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, intellectual property, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Job Summary

The Senior Practice Group Manager (PGM) will work with and support two practice groups in managing their practice operations. The Senior PGM will be part of the Talent and Inclusion team and report to the Department Practice Director.

The Senior PGM will work closely with the Department Practice Director, Practice Group Leader(s), and other firm business departments to provide essential  operational and strategic guidance and support to their assigned practice group(s).

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is comfortable juggling multiple tasks and is looking for an opportunity to perform in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.

Job Responsibilities

Special projects and strategy

• Works with the Department Practice Director and Practice Group Leader(s) to draft and execute the practice group’s strategic plan, including setting practice group goals, monitoring plan performance and KPIs throughout the year, and taking proactive measures to achieve priorities.
• Collaborates and coordinates with other functions in the firm, including Finance, Talent and Inclusion, Recruiting, and Business Development to implement and drive various initiatives.

Talent

In collaboration with the firm’s Recruiting and Lawyer Development teams:

• Oversees onboarding and integration of new attorneys and staff into the practice group.
• Develops procedures to regularly monitor new matters, attorney utilization, and current/anticipated workload. Works closely with Practice Group Leader(s) and Department Practice Director to provide appropriate insight and address staffing issues/ requirements.
• Collaborates with Department Practice Director, Practice Group Leader(s), and the recruiting team to evaluate recruiting needs, develop practice group recruiting strategy, and execute on said strategic objectives.
• Oversees the practice group’s attorney evaluations process and provides guidance to Practice Group leaders on promotion and/or other personnel issues.
• Oversees coordination of mentor pairings for attorneys in the practice group and ensures mentors meet regularly and productively with mentees.
• Works with Practice Group Leader(s) and Department Practice Director to oversee the practice group partner/counsel promotion process.
• Works with Practice Group Leader(s) and Department Practice Director to oversee the practice group’s Individual Development Plan Process for Diverse Attorneys.
• Liaises with Attorney Resources department on the above and other legal talent issues.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Works with practice group Talent & Inclusion Partner(s) to develop professional development plans for diverse associates and counsel.
• Ensures diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are essential parts of all practice group functions.

Practice Management

• Monitors group metrics and identifies areas of focus. Develops and tracks applicable KPIs.
• Oversees maintenance and organization of group resources, including meeting and training materials, memos, meeting notes, group rosters, mentor assignments, etc.
• Develops agendas for, plans, and coordinates practice group retreats.
• Oversees management of practice group-specific content on the firm’s intranet.
• Drives best practices in the practice group, such as knowledge management for work product, development of checklists and templates, and onboarding processes for new hires.
• Liaises with the Business Development team regarding practice group strategy, budget, and other areas of overlap.

Communications, Meetings, and Trainings

• Ensures practice group attorneys are meeting and communicating regularly and effectively on issues relating to practice development, associate management, and financial performance issues, including:

• Developing robust agendas for and running Practice Group meetings (including meetings of practice group leaders, steering committees, partners, and group-wide).
• Spearheading internal practice group written communications, e.g., periodic group newsletters.

• Works with Practice Group Leader(s), Talent and Inclusion Partner(s), and the Professional Development team to develop, plan, and oversee organization of practice group-specific trainings.

Finance

• Works with the Finance team as appropriate to develop and provide ad hoc financial or strategic reports.
• Reviews monthly financial reports with the Practice Group Leader(s) and Finance Partners and identifies trends/developments requiring attention and action. Develops and implements action plan as appropriate.
• In conjunction with the Finance team, leads practice group financial and operational reporting. Works closely with Practice Group Leader(s), Finance Partner(s), and Department Practice Director to provide appropriate insight and address financial issues requirements.
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial reports on group financial metrics, inventory, alternative fee arrangements, budget, and other key performance indicators. Raises trends and provides insight/advice to Practice Group Leader(s), Finance Partner(s), and Department Practice Director.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of and familiarity with legal and business environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a cooperative, enthusiastic and friendly manner to accomplish position functions and participate in team efforts.
• Excellent, demonstrated judgment and strategic decision-making skills, including the ability to navigate complex situations with minimal oversight.
• Ability to provide quality and efficient client service to both internal and external clients.  Involves the use of considerable tact and persuasion in gaining the cooperation of others.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements. 
• Must possess the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate information with tact and courtesy, as well as the ability to effectively influence practice group stakeholders, including attorneys and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing, on a prepared and extemporaneous basis with clients, lawyers, and staff. 
• Demonstrated ability to make presentations to small and/or large groups in an effective manner.
• Knowledge of law firm financial accounting and budgeting principles and ability to develop, monitor and manage budgets, analyze financial data, and draw strategic conclusions.
• Ability to manage and develop skills and knowledge of others.  Ability to appropriately delegate work to others to meet deadlines, goals and objectives.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS suite, including Excel, to produce quality written communications such as memos, spreadsheets, slides, and other standard work documents. Ability to quickly learn and utilize additional software.
• Ability to represent the firm with honesty, integrity, and professionalism, consistently acting in an ethical manner.

Education

The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree or a combination of equivalent work experience and training/education.

Experience

The position requires a minimum of seven (7) years of increasingly responsible, directly relevant experience during which the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities were attained. A JD, MBA or other related advanced degree may substitute for required experience.

Experience in the direct supervision of others on a regular basis preferred.  Direct experience in a law firm or professional services environment in any professional capacity preferred.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package which includes progressive options such as back up child care, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

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