Practice Manager

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,700+ lawyers and 1,400 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

The Practice Manager is responsible for the delivery and project management of substantive practice development initiatives as directed by the Practice Group Directors. This position supports the smooth running of multiple practice groups both operationally and organizationally. The Practice Manager relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  ​

• Drive organization and execution across practice groups to ensure priorities, timelines and deliverables remain on track 

• Support implementation of practice group strategic priorities by working closely with practice leadership to define goals and monitor progress 

• Support day-to-day operations of the practice groups, under the direction of the Practice Group Director 

• Project manage the delivery of substantive practice development initiatives and projects as directed by practice leadership 

• Coordinate associate onboarding, integration and offboarding, assist integration efforts as needed with other positions 

• Manage and communicate lateral recruiting pipeline across practice leadership 

• Support at a high level the operational aspects of running the practice group including drafting leadership communications, assisting the organization and planning of internal and external practice meetings and aiding with promotion, compensation and evaluation processes 

• Track census file changes and ensure that these changes flow to other practice group reporting 

• Partner with Finance & Accounting to review and analyze key financial metrics including capacity and profitability 

• Analyze targeted financial reports to identify and explain specific trends and anomalies, including but not limited to advising on aspects related to billing and matter management 

• Support reporting and analysis of timekeeper capacity and utilization based on practice group needs  

• Serve as a liaison between practice groups and administrative departments (Business Development and Marketing, HR, Professional Development, Accounting and Finance) to ensure operational excellence, efficiencies and effective use of resources toward meeting strategic objectives 

• Foster cross-platform communication and idea exchange particularly with similar practice support and operational roles across the firm 

Job Specifications: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required 

• At least 5-7 years experience in a professional service environment 

• Strong project management and critical thinking skills  

• Ability to work well with all levels of management 

• Reliable and flexible with a high degree of initiative 

• Ability to work independently, set work goals and objectives 

• Strong organizational and analytical skills, including Excel and PowerPoint, with exceptional attention to detail 

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
     Target Hiring Range $131,000 - $203,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

#LI-AR2

#LI-Hybrid

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.