Director of Practice Operations – Intellectual Property & Real Estate

As the Director of Practice Operations, you will be responsible for leading and managing the business operations for assigned legal Practice Groups and Departments. This includes working closely with Business Unit and administrative department leaders and Partners to develop and execute business and strategic plans, manage finances, support business development and marketing efforts, oversee talent management and legal service delivery, and facilitate communication within and outside the Business Unit. You will report directly to the Firm's Chief Practice Operations Officer.

Key Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with Partners to assess, develop, and manage capacities and methods to improve service delivery, such as technology utilization, knowledge management, staffing processes, and professional training.
• Research and recommend best practices for legal service delivery and ensure full implementation.
• Partner with legal project management teams to develop and enhance legal capacities within the Business Units.
• Manage the development, execution, and refinement of Business Unit plans, performance objectives, and strategic goals.
• Work with Partners to align individual business plans with the objectives of their respective Business Unit(s).
• Participate in the development and monitoring of matter management plans.
• Liaise with operations leadership to develop and implement business support platforms, policies, and practices.
• Facilitate communication across practice groups to proactively identify and solve organizational issues.
• Organize and prepare for practice group meetings, including attorney meetings, partner meetings, and retreats.
• Collaborate with business development and marketing resources to develop and execute revenue management and growth strategies for Business Units and industry sector initiatives.
• Conduct competitive analysis to inform business planning and management of Business Units.
• Support Business Unit participation in client feedback and management programs and industry initiatives.
• Work with the finance team and Business Unit leadership to develop budgets and forecasts.
• Provide financial analysis to assist Business Unit leadership in managing the economics of the business, including profitability, expense controls, pricing, and client/matter management.
• Manage inventory cycle turnover, client/matter budgets, billing rates, and fee realization in collaboration with Responsible/Billing Attorneys and the finance team.
• Liaise with the AD&R and HR teams to develop and execute recruiting and integration plans for attorney and non-attorney personnel.
• Support performance feedback and management processes, compensation determinations, and career track management.
• Collaborate with professional development personnel to increase awareness and utilization of the professional development framework and relevant training content.
• Lead and champion Firm change initiatives and communicate within Business Units.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all team members have opportunities to succeed.
• Represent the Business Unit in Firm meetings as a leader within the operations team.
Qualifications:
• 10+ years of relevant experience in a business/operations capacity in a law firm environment.
• 5+ years of management experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of the practice of law, legal industry, and practice operations.
• Strong leadership, analytical, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel when necessary.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work with a diverse group of professionals.
• Proven ability to foster an inclusive team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and responsibilities.
• Experience leading and managing change initiatives successfully.
• Proven track record of developing strategic plans that advance organizational growth and performance.
• Quick understanding of the Firm's strategic plan, cultural values, competitive position, growth plans, client service standards, and practice capabilities.
• Strong team orientation and ability to collaborate with personnel at all levels of the organization.
To Apply: Please email resume to: cfleck@chelsearecruiters.com