Associate Director, Litigation Department Management

New York, NY

Summary

The Associate Director, Litigation Department Management will work with the Litigation Department Co-Chairs to ensure the department runs smoothly. This role 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 and training. The Associate Director will also support the professional development of the Litigation associates by monitoring the associate evaluation process, mentoring program and the assigning system. They will work closely with the Sr. Director, Attorney Performance & Professional Development and other senior managers on various projects, including to support other areas of the firm, as needed. 

Responsibilities and/or Functions:

• Provide general administrative support to the Litigation Department, reporting directly to department Co-Chairs.
• Develop and oversee programs for associate management, retention and morale.
• Assist with associate staffing, attorney timekeeping compliance, leverage and personnel issues.
• Track associate workloads and assess department billable hours.
• Liaise with the Business Development Department to prepare analysis of clients, performance metrics and wins for regular communication with partners and associates, and Litigation Department external branding.
• Liaise with the Recruiting Department to assist with lateral recruiting.
• Help new associates and lateral hires integrate into the departments — including participation and assistance with the annual New Associate Orientation Program.
• Provide career guidance and coaching to Litigation associates.
• Help manage Litigation Department secondment programs.
• Coordinate with the Sr. Director, Attorney Performance & Professional Development and the Professional Evaluation and Compensation Committee (PECC) on the Firm’s evaluation process.
• Liaise with the Professional Development Team and the Professional Development Committee (PDC) on the professional development, training needs and mentoring of Litigation associates.
• Conduct exit interviews.
• Develop agenda, draft minutes and follow-up on action items for Litigation Department Partner meetings.
• Work with partner-in-charge in overseeing the Litigation staff attorney program.
• Assist with office space for New York Litigation Department.
• Coordinate department social events and other morale building activities for attorneys.
• Any additional responsibilities as required by management. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• At least 6 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.
• Excellent listening skills, strong diplomatic and influencing skills.
• Experience with Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• JD strongly preferred, ideally including experience practicing law in a Litigation department.

Compensation: $190,000.00-$225,000.00, plus bonus. 

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