Practice Manager

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,200 attorneys in 19 offices: 14 in the U.S., three in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow our staff exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The Practice Manager will help the Privacy and Cybersecurity practice group leaders and the director of practice management to provide excellent client service, and increase department revenue and profitability, through superior practice management and project management support. Specific responsibilities include:

Practice Support

• Compile data and perform financial analysis related to billing, collections, time entry, profitability, utilization, etc.
• Manage the associate work allocation process focusing on individual and practice goals.
• Monitor workloads to ensure they are distributed equitably and aligned with client needs and attorney career goals.
• Track and analyze associate metrics, including availability information and utilization rates. 
• Collaborate with Knowledge Management team to develop and maintain resource files that support the practice.
• Coordinate the development of Best Practices that support the practice.
• Develop processes for collecting data and updating critical resources for the practice.
• Collaborate with Business Development to respond to industry surveys, awards, and other recognitions.
• Collaborate with Business Development to draft responses to Requests for Proposals.
• Collaborate with Professional Development to identify and coordinate training and benchmarking.
• Collaborate with the Marketing team to manage social media presence, develop marketing plans, organize participation events, submit papers for conferences and various publications, maintain marketing lists.
• Coordinate and assist with drafting annual business plans.
• Work with practice group members to manage the onboarding of new associates.
• Support members and Human Resources to monitor and address associate performance.

Client/Matter Support

• Work with attorney teams to develop client/matter budgets.
• Collaborate with Finance to monitor budgets against actuals and provide reports to matter leads.
• Monitor large matter productivity and provide reports to matter leads.
• Conduct matter debriefs to identify areas for improvement and increase efficiencies.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 3+ years of experience in professional services practice/project management in a large law firm.
• Formal project management qualifications are desirable.
• Demonstrate success leading large projects with multiple workstreams.
• Provide examples of contributions/efficiencies that had a direct effect on improving revenue.
• Significant experience managing resource allocation and utilization.
• Strong leadership, relationship, problem-solving, organization, and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a busy and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to build trusted advisor relationships with attorneys at all levels.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and financial and data information systems. 
   

The compensation for this position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).