Managing Director, Practice Management

Calibrate has been retained by an Am Law 200 law firm with eight offices across the United States and Asia to recruit a Managing Director of Practice Management. This newly created role will serve as a pivotal leader in institutionalizing and expanding the practice management function to drive strategic and profitable growth across the firm’s practices. The inaugural Managing Director will work closely with Department Leaders across the firm’s transactional, disputes and private client practices, as well as with our firm Co-Chairs and administrative leaders. They will act as a trusted advisor and key collaborator to implement firm-wide initiatives and establish best practices that foster sustainable operational success. This role can be based in either the firm’s Los Angeles or New York offices, with periodic travel to maintain a strong presence across the organization.

Key Responsibilities and Desired Skills:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with Department and administrative leaders to develop and execute strategic plans that drive growth and innovation within practice groups, leveraging expertise to empower Department Leaders and their teams. Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Operational Excellence: Define and implement frameworks that will serve as a foundation for the firm’s ongoing success. Lead process improvements, establish quality control systems, and provide actionable recommendations to optimize departmental operations.
• Financial Planning and Analysis: Partner with the finance team and Department Leaders to monitor key financial metrics, such as productivity, billings, and collections. Lead department budgeting efforts, profitability modeling, and expense control to enhance financial performance.
• Knowledge Management: Drive the adoption of innovative technology tools and oversee the curation of client-related content, ensuring seamless knowledge-sharing across departments.
• Collaboration Across Teams: Act as a bridge between legal and business services teams (e.g., talent management, marketing, finance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and HR), fostering cross-functional collaboration to enhance operational effectiveness.

Candidates must:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree (an advanced degree is highly preferred) and a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in practice management or a similar senior-level role within a multi-office professional services environment.
• Show proven expertise in practice management with demonstrated success in establishing best practices.
• Be a builder, capable of institutionalizing new processes and functions while driving impactful change.
• Bring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, displaying leadership and gravitas that inspire confidence and trust.

To express interest in this role, please submit your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest to Kenyan Ingram no later than March 14, 2025.