The purpose of this position is to manage the administrative support of the Litigation Practice Group, allowing practice group leaders to focus on leading the practice group and on practicing law; This position supports practice group leaders in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives; provides a seamless quality of service to lawyers and timekeeping staff; fosters teamwork and provides a positive working and service environment for all involved.
Responsibilities
Practice Group Support:
Facilitates time entry as well as billing by following up with attorneys and reporting to leadership
Schedules and prepares agenda for monthly partner meetings
Work Assignments:
Manages staffing by monitoring upcoming chargeable and business needs, identifying appropriate availability and recommending to the partners involved the associate assignments
Maintain oversight of current lawyer workloads
Ensure while considering current assignments and based on skill levels and available bandwidth the mix of case work giving attorneys an appropriate mix of work to grow skills in all areas of litigation
Human Resources:
Work with Partners and Legal Recruiting team to define and meet hiring needs of the practice group and to coordinate lateral hiring and onboarding
Manage and coordinate associate evaluations and reviews, that measure the specific skills of personnel in the practice group
Coordinate assistance in resolving lawyer conflicts and escalating to proper administrative resource
Assign mentors and assure that mentors/mentees have sufficient interaction
Professional Development:
Work with Partners and Lawyer Training and Development to meet the education needs of the practice group
Review notices of CLE and other programs and seminars specific to the practice and suggest attendance, as needed
Propose and frame in coordination with Lawyer Training & Development Department associate training in accordance with evolving client and associate needs
Marketing and Client Relations:
Works with Marketing Department for proper utilization of marketing functions, material updates and improvements
Collaborate with Marketing team on business development initiatives, including client seminars and entertainment.
Provide feedback and information on rankings and ratings
Other duties, assigned.
New York Applicants: Salaries may vary by location. In New York City, the estimated target salary range of this role is $175,000 - $250,000. Salary determinations are made based on numerous factors, such as, but not limited to, the relevant market and the skill, experience, class or graduation year, and education of the selected candidate.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Education and/or Experience:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree
Law firm experience
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and build credibility with lawyers
Possesses superior organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines
Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and be proactive
Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Preferred:
Juris Doctor
Other Skills and Abilities:
In addition to the above, the following will also be required of the successful candidate:
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Able to accept responsibility and take initiative
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
Perform other work-related duties and special projects, as required and assigned
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
