Practice Manager

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

About the Role

Responsible for the daily management and business operations of the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group in assigned office(s), with a strong emphasis on work allocation, professional development, and relationship building. Act as a liaison with other Firm legal and administrative groups as needed.

What You Will Be Doing

Attorney Professional Development and Work Assignment Staffing

• Manage billable and pro bono work assignment and staffing for the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation practice group across assigned offices, coordinating with Practice Management to address cross office needs.
• Align work assignments with attorney experience and professional development goals for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
• Coordinate reassignment of matters during attorney absences and assist with administration of extended leave policies.
• Coordinate the bi‑annual evaluation process in partnership with Legal Personnel, practice leadership, partner mentors, and the Practice Management team.
• Support onboarding and orientation for junior associates and lateral hires and collaborate on formal training programs with practice and professional development leaders.
• Coordinate with Development and Training team to plan and conduct formal training programs for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
• Assist department and practice leadership in addressing attorney personnel matters as needed.

Department Management and Reporting

• Assist in the implementation of Department and/or Practice Group strategic plans.
• Assist in the preparation of Department and Practice Group reporting, including the preparation of monthly productivity reports for Department Leaders, Practice Group Leaders, the Management Committee, and the Chief Practice Management Officer.
• Coordinate Department and Practice Group level projects as assigned by the Intellectual Property Department Director.

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Intellectual Property Department and Intellectual Property Litigation Practice Group leaders in assigned office(s).
• Provide administrative and operational support to department leadership, including planning and follow up for meetings, retreats, and firmwide initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Business Development and Marketing

• Support marketing and business development efforts, including pitches, RFPs, CLEs, lateral partner integration, and department events.
• Assist in the coordination of events involving members of the Departments as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Technology Specialist Management

• Provides general management of Technology Specialist Program
• Provide Technology Specialists with assignments that provide appropriate professional development opportunities commensurate with experience.
• Coordinate reassignment of projects and assist in the administration of extended leaves.
• Conducts regular check-ins with Technology Specialist to review productivity and administrative issues.

Paralegal Management

• Provides general management of assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s).
• In conjunction with the Intellectual Property Department Director and working closely with Human Resources responsible for the performance management of the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s), including but not limited to: ensuring the timely completion of Performance Reviews; responding to performance concerns and policy violations including violations to the time entry and in-office work policies.
• Conducts regular check-ins with Paralegals to review productivity and administrative issues; provide ongoing support and coaching, including regular status meetings; and addressing team resource needs and related process improvements to ensure efficiency in the delivery of paralegal services.
• Promotes effective collaboration between the Paralegals to support appropriate resource allocation including cross office staffing.
• Ensures goals set for the assigned Intellectual Property Paralegal group(s) are effectively and efficiently met.

Required Skills

What You Will Bring to This Position

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with lawyers, staff and peer administrators.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle a wide variety of responsibilities.
• Ability to identify and solve problems, take initiative and work independently under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.

Required Experience

• Minimum five years’ experience in professional services or legal environment preferred.
• Minimum three years’ management experience required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

Why Join Us?

• A values‑driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect
• The hiring range for this position is $153,600 - $192,000 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
• This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options
• Paid time off and holidays
• For additional information about our benefits, please click here

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

For more information about Equal Employment Opportunity, please click here.

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This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.

Qualifications:

What You Will Bring to This Position

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively with lawyers, staff and peer administrators.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle a wide variety of responsibilities.
• Ability to identify and solve problems, take initiative and work independently under pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.