Chicago - Practice Operations Manager - Corporate

About Us

At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together.
Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you're in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. You'll work with leading clients. Disruptors. Fast-growth companies. And help them to stay one step ahead of the moment and make critical decisions that shape their future. We're present in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining the scale and speed that clients demand. You'll be trusted with real responsibility from the outset and build experience through hands-on work. We take your progression personally. We provide the platform. You shape the work around your goals and aspirations.

Winston Taylor's transatlantic Transactions practice brings together sophisticated deal experience with strategic, commercial, and pragmatic advice on complex transactions across the globe. Our 700+ lawyers advise clients across private equity, M&A, global finance and capital markets, combining deep sector knowledge, local insight, and seamless cross-border execution. Step into the moments that matter. Join Winston Taylor.

Position summary

The Practice Operations Manager (POM) plays a key role in supporting the daily operational and financial performance of the Firm's practice groups. Reporting to the Director of Practice Operations, the POM serves as a strategic liaison between attorneys and administrative teams, helping to execute practice group business plans, drive innovation through technology, and advance the Firm's strategic priorities at the practice level. The POM will also monitor key financial metrics, partner with stakeholders to improve operational efficiency, and support personnel-related initiatives including lateral integration and timekeeper utilization management.

Position Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Monitor financial performance at the Department and Practice Group levels, including utilization, realization, revenue, profitability, and other performance metrics. Liaise with the financial reporting team to enhance practice group level financial reporting.
• Report regularly on key performance indicators (KPIs). Collaborate with DPOs to make recommendations for appropriate actions to improve group financial performance, monitor progress and execute related action items.
• Collaborate with Directors of Practice Operations (DPOs) and Pricing Team to enhance attorney understanding of client/matter profitability, including broader adoption of matter budgets, value-based fee arrangements, and drive team leverage to enhance profitability.
• Monitor and manage practice group expense budgets.

Personnel Management

• Assist with transition and integration of newly hired lateral partners and groups.
• Support the partnership nomination and promotions process, including preparation of candidate materials for Department Leadership and the Executive Committee; assist in managing the partnership candidate pipeline by Practice Group.
• Collaborate with Professional Development team to support the development of training programs for associates, ensuring alignment with firm strategic priorities.
• Ensure that practice groups are meeting and communicating regularly and effectively on issues relating to practice development, business development, talent management and financial performance issues.

Operations Management and Execution of the Firm's Strategic Plan

• Assist in the development and execution of business plans at the department and practice group levels, in collaboration with Practice Group Leaders and Business Development teams.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Practice Operations (CPO) and DPOs to drive and monitor execution of the practice components of the Firm's strategic plan with a focus on revenue generation and operational efficiency at the practice level.
• Drive innovation at the intersection of technology and practice operations by facilitating communication between technology teams and practice groups, streamlining processes, enhancing workflows, and driving efficiencies through technology (including practice-focused AI evaluation, integration and adoption).
• Assist with managing special projects and assigned Firm-wide initiatives that support client acquisition and expansion goals.

Experience, skills, and qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, degree in finance or accounting preferred. JD or MBA a plus.
• 5+ years' experience in law firm operations, professional services operations, or financial/business management roles required.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and special projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptionally organized, with strong analytical, information-gathering, and problem-solving skills. Project management experience a plus.
• Excellent written communication and well-developed oral presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with partners, senior leadership, and colleagues at all levels; skilled at building relationships, fostering teamwork, and driving consensus.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to translate firm-wide goals into actionable practice-level plans.
• Must live within a commutable distance to a firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.

BENEFITS

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

SALARY

Illinois applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $150,000-$190,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

New York applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $160,000-$210,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. #LI-DC2