Senior Manager, Litigation Department

New York, NY

Summary

The Litigation Department Senior Manager will work with Litigation Department Co-Chairs to ensure smooth running of the US Litigation Department. The Senior Manager will help to maximize associate retention and productivity by serving as a liaison between the Litigation associates and partners and by working with the partners to develop strategic plans concerning associate performance, productivity, diversity and training. In addition, the Senior Manager will support the professional development of Litigation associates by monitoring the associate evaluation process, mentoring program and the assigning system. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Director, Practice Management and other senior managers on various ad hoc projects.

Primary Responsibilities and/or Essential Functions

• Provide general administrative support to the Litigation Department, reporting directly to department Co-Chairs.
• Work with assignment partners to help them satisfy the assigning requirements of the Litigation Practice Groups as well as the long-term professional development aspirations of individual associates.
• Track associate workloads and assess associate billable hours.  Generate and distribute monthly reports on associate availability and utilization to department Co-Chairs and assignment partners.
• Develop agenda, draft minutes and follow-up on action items for Litigation Department Partner meetings.
• Coordinate Partner/Counsel candidate planning process with Litigation Department Co-Chairs.
• Help new associates and lateral hires integrate into the department—including participation and assistance with the annual New Associate Orientation Program.
• Keep partners aware of associate morale.
• Provide career guidance and coaching to Litigation associates.
• Assist with time record compliance by monitoring time record promptness and issuing reminders to associates.
• Liaise with the Director, Practice Management and the Professional Evaluation and Compensation Committee (PECC) on the Firm’s evaluation process.  Attend all departmental partner meetings when evaluations are discussed.  Monitor high and low performing associates.  Gather and analyze continuous feedback for associates submitted during the year.
• Liaise with Director of Attorney Development and the Professional Development Committee to oversee Litigation associate professional development, training needs and mentoring.
• Work with regional offices vis-a-vis associate availability, workflow and professional development opportunities.
• Work closely with the Director of Global Diversity and Social Responsibility and Litigation Practice Group Leaders to ensure the diversity and inclusion of the department.
• Work with partner-in-charge in running the staff attorney program and ensuring that staff attorneys are assigned to matters.
• Attend monthly Attorney Programs Department meetings to keep abreast of associate related issues, policies, etc.
• Facilitate and monitor Litigation Department practice group business planning process and reports.
• Liaise with Marketing and Business Development, as needed, on pitches, business development opportunities and updating website.
• Organize and coordinate Litigation Department lunches.
• Maintain Litigation Department calendar of trainings, activities, etc.
• Coordinate department parties, social events, and other morale building activities for the associates and partners.
• Assist with development and oversight of special projects in the Litigation Department, as needed.
• Assist with programs and projects for the Talent Management Team, as needed.
• Any additional responsibilities as required by management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• At least 4 years of relevant legal experience.
• Extremely strong organizational skills.
• Self-initiator who is highly persistent in overseeing projects to successful completion.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with various administrative groups and to work closely with lawyers of all levels within a large law firm setting.
• Strong follow-up skills and the ability to be persuasive in managing priorities
• Excellent listening skills, strong diplomatic and influencing skills.
• Proficiency with Excel and comfortable with basic administrative tasks. 

Education/ Certifications

• JD required, including experience practicing law in a Litigation department.