Managing Director (Palo Alto)

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Summary

The Managing Director, in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, provides internally and externally facing support to improve key client relationships. This particular role will support the Emerging Growth practice in Silicon Valley. As the Managing Director you will be responsible for interacting directly with clients to ensure consistent team performance and discuss any billing or collections issues. You will also be responsible for group administrative management, including conflicts, billing, collections, hiring, training, and knowledge content.

Location

This position is located in our Palo Alto or San Francisco office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

Matter & Financial Management

• Oversee pitch and proposal activity, matter opening, budgeting, and compliance with client guidelines.
• Monitor WIP (work-in-progress), billing, collections, and profitability metrics for the partner’s portfolio.
• Coordinate with billing teams to ensure timely and accurate invoicing aligned with client requirements.
• Work with collections on tracking payments and allocations.
• Track and report on key financial KPIs, proactively identifying risks and opportunities.

Operational Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison between the partner and internal business teams (finance, billing, administrative support, marketing, etc.).
• Lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team to deliver exceptional client service and operational excellence, including International where involved.
• Implement best practices for matter management, workflow optimization, and resource allocation.

Client Service & Relationship Support

• Ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines and reporting requirements.
• Support client-facing administrative needs, including status reports, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Partner with the firm’s pricing and legal project management teams to develop and maintain alternative fee arrangements and matter plans.

Process Improvement & Technology

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Leverage firm technology platforms for matter tracking, reporting, and collaboration.
• Train and mentor team members on best practices and tools.

Strategic

• Involved in strategic planning process.
• Ensure strategic plan outlines actions to achieve Firm performance goals.
• Monitor plan execution and regularly report on progress against plan to Practice Group Leader and Firm Leadership.
• Adjust plan to ensure it remains relevant in light of changing market dynamics, economic climate and business trends.

Desired Skills

Superior communication skills coupled with demonstrated ability to present complex information to senior leadership. Ability to be innovative, creative and operate in a proactive manner with a broad range of professionals. Must have demonstrated leadership skills to include problem solving, planning, negotiating and decision-making for effective management. Ability to serve as a strategic advisor. Must be able to demonstrate and adhere to confidentiality and to interact with tact and resourcefulness. Proven dedication to assisting the firm in delivering exceptional client service both internally and externally. Must be willing to travel as needed.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Legal studies, Finance, Business Administration or similar field.

Preferred Education

• JD.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 10+ years of legal/law firm experience within practice management.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact View email address on apply.placed-app.com.

Compensation

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $232,500.00 - $313,892.50 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.