Associate Practice Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BakerHostetler has an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice management professional to join the firm’s newly established Practice Management department and work creatively to build and implement practice management functions. The Labor & Employment (L&E) Practice Manager will serve as an innovative strategic management partner and trusted resource to the Practice Group Chair and Labor & Employment attorneys.

The L&E Practice Manager will report directly to the firmwide Director of Practice Management and will work closely with firm leaders, the Group Chair, and L&E attorneys. This hybrid role, located in New York, will be part of developing the newly established firmwide Practice Management department while driving operational efficiency and excellence, managing resource allocation, and steering the financial and talent management of the L&E practice group.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Collaborate with firmwide leadership, Director of Practice Management, Group Chair, and L&E lawyers in the development and execution of strategic plans in alignment with practice group and firmwide goals

Practice Performance & Analytics

• Analyses, summaries, and presentation of regular and ad hoc reports of total practice group performance, individual timekeeper performance, and team utilization metrics
• Annual practice group budget planning and tracking

Resource Allocation & Staffing

• Work allocation management, staffing group leadership, productivity reporting; resource allocation reorganization; associate workflow planning
• Group planning and talent inventory management, including analysis, evaluation, and recommendations relating to headcount, leverage, and practice expertise

Talent Management & Development

• Regular interface and check-ins with associates on workflow planning and path to partnership
• Collaboration with leadership, Performance Development, Recruiting, and firm HR Counsel team on talent management functions including hiring, onboarding, integration, career development, transition planning, and coaching
• Collaboration with leadership and Performance Development on partner-led, practice-specific subject matter training programs

Operational Excellence & Communication

• Preparation, distribution, and presentation of meeting materials and practice group reports; preparation of meeting agendas and talking points; management of the calendar for practice group meetings, retreats, and team events
• Act as liaison between L&E attorneys and firmwide business services departments

Practice Enablement & Innovation

• Knowledge Management projects specific to the practice group
• Project management of practice group-level innovations, initiatives, and projects

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Degree in management, business, financial, legal or related studies required

MBA or JD preferred

• Experience serving as a Practice Manager or in a senior practice management role (e.g., Senior Practice Coordinator or equivalent) within a law firm or professional services environment
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in practice management or closely related roles, including demonstrated readiness to assume managerial responsibility; candidates with prior peoplemanagement experience preferred
• Experience supporting advocacy-focused practices, such as Labor & Employment, Litigation, or Regulatory practices, with a solid understanding of practice operations, staffing models, and workflow demands

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of law firm economics and dynamics
• Deep understanding of current legal market trends, innovations, and best practices
• Financial acumen with significant experience in personnel utilization and team management, realization and profitability, rates and statistical analysis, and budget management
• Advanced analytical skills: ability to interpret complex information, summarize and present dense data effectively and accurately, and provide actionable recommendations and insights
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a focus on strategic execution and relentless attention to detail
• Advanced technology proficiency in Excel pivot charts
• Advanced technology proficiency in Windows-based software and Microsoft Office Suite applications
• Experience with large firm accounting software programs
• Professionalism, integrity, proactive leadership, and the ability to handle sensitive information with great discretion
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to correspond with all levels of business professionals, attorneys, and Firm leadership
• Relationship building and leadership skills
• High degree of initiative and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Demonstrated history of collaboration, working at across teams and departments to ensure alignment with strategic priorities
• Flexibility and the ability to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and competing deadlines
• Ability to travel when needed

Benefits
Offering competitive pay and benefits, while providing a collegial and respectful work environment, is part of our commitment to fostering a workplace that values employees.

Our comprehensive and competitive benefit program includes:

• Competitive salaries and a performance bonus program
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance
• Multiple plan options and various benefit levels
• Same-sex domestic partner coverage
• Pre-tax premiums
• Coverage begins on date of hire
• Group term life/AD&D and voluntary supplemental group universal life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance – self and family
• Long-term care insurance
• Short-term disability benefits
• Long-term disability benefits
• Pre-tax benefit programs – dependent care, health care reimbursement and transit/qualified parking (in most cities)
• Retirement program – voluntary 401(k) plan

About the Firm

BakerHostetler is recognized as one of the leading law firms in the country. With over 1,000 attorneys across 18 offices coast to coast, BakerHostetler is a great place to work for those who seek professional and personal growth in a collaborative environment. We deliver the highest quality counsel to our clients, who include many of the nation’s largest and most well-known companies. BakerHostetler’s values have remained unchanged since our founding more than 100 years ago: dedication to the law, commitment to the highest standard of client service, continuous development of our people and active participation in the communities in which we work and live.  Please visit www.bakerlaw.com for more information about our Firm.

The expected annual salary for this position ranges from $170,000- 200,000. The salary offered will be determined by a wide range of factors including but not limited to region, experience level, education/training, and relevant skills. 

Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter in an application on our website. Questions about the role should be directed to Miriam McHenry (mmchenry@bakerlaw.com).

BakerHostetler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.