As the Outside Counsel Relationship Manager, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing relationships with our external law firms. This role involves strategic oversight of engagements, performance evaluation, and ensuring that our external legal partners provide the highest level of service and value. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that our legal needs are met efficiently and effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Relationship Management
• Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with law firm billing departments to foster collaboration and trust.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external law firm billing departments, facilitating clear communication and collaboration on legal matter accounting.
• Act as a liaison between internal legal teams and outside counsel to ensure seamless information flow.
Accountability & Performance Evaluation
• Monitor and assess the performance of outside counsel against established service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct regular reviews of outside counsel engagements, including feedback sessions and performance evaluations, to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Implement strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of outside counsel services.
Engagement Oversight
• Collaborate with internal legal teams to understand their needs, project scopes, and to identify suitable outside counsel for specific matters.
• Ensure alignment of outside counsel services with business objectives and legal requirements by conducting needs assessments and regular checkins.
• Manage the onboarding process for new outside counsel, ensuring they understand our expectations and procedures.
Cost Management
• Analyze billing practices, scrutinize invoices, and manage legal spend associated with outside counsel, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
• Negotiate fee structures, billing terms, and other contractual arrangements with outside counsel to maximize value.
• Develop and implement budgetary controls and processes for outside counsel expenditures.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure that outside counsel adheres to company policies, compliance requirements, and best practices in risk management.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the engagement of outside counsel and communicate relevant updates to internal teams.
• Conduct due diligence on outside counsel to assess their capabilities, areas of expertise, and risk profiles.
Training & Development
• Facilitate training sessions for internal teams on best practices for managing outside counsel relationships, including communication and performance feedback.
• Keep internal stakeholders informed about changes in outside counsel practices, capabilities, and offerings through regular updates and workshops.
Market Insights
• Stay updated on industry trends, legal market dynamics, and competitive practices related to outside counsel management.
• Conduct market research to identify potential new law firms for engagement based on evolving needs, emerging legal issues, and shifts in the legal landscape.
Reporting & Analytics
• Prepare and present regular reports on outside counsel performance, engagement metrics, and legal spend to senior management and stakeholders.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for improvement in outside counsel relationships.
Being You @ IBM
IBM is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, caste, genetics, pregnancy, disability, neurodivergence, age, veteran status, or other characteristics. IBM is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Required Technical and Professional Expertise
Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
Proven experience in vendor or relationship management, preferably within a legal context.
Strong understanding of legal services, law firm operations, and the legal industry landscape.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyze financial data and legal billing practices effectively.
Preferred Technical and Professional Experience
Familiarity with legal technology systems for RFP, Matter Management, and e-Billing, etc.
Advanced degree preferred.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.
Proficient in using relationship management software and tools.
Other Relevant Job Details
IBM offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program. Eligible employees may have access to:
- Healthcare benefits including medical & prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and mental health & well being.
- Financial programs such as 401(k), cash balance pension plan, the IBM Employee Stock Purchase Plan, financial counseling, life insurance, short & long- term disability coverage, and opportunities for performance based salary incentive programs.
- Generous paid time off including 12 holidays, minimum 56 hours sick time, 120 hours vacation, 12 weeks parental bonding leave in accordance with IBM Policy, and other Paid Care Leave programs. IBM also offers paid family leave benefits to eligible employees where required by applicable law.
- Training and educational resources on our personalized, AI-driven learning platform where IBMers can grow skills and obtain industry-recognized certifications to achieve their career goals.
- Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups, giving & volunteer opportunities, and discounts on retail products, services & experiences
The compensation range and benefits for this position are based on a full-time schedule for a full calendar year. The salary will vary depending on your job-related skills, experience and location. Pay increment and frequency of pay will be in accordance with employment classification and applicable laws. For part time roles, your compensation and benefits will be adjusted to reflect your hours. Benefits may be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.
This position was posted on the date cited in the key job details section and is anticipated to remain posted for 21 days from this date or less if not needed to fill the role.
We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable law.
IBM will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. Therefore, in order to be considered for this position, you must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.
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