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.  

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

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found here.

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 Employer