Ballard Spahr LLP

Director of Practice Management

Ballard Spahr LLP

full-time

Posted on:

Origin:  • 🇺🇸 United States • Pennsylvania

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Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Oversee daily business operations including financial health, internal organization, business development, practice expansion/recruitment, fee earner supervision & training.
  • Work with Department Chair to drive regular meetings of the Department’s senior members, lawyers, and Practice Group Leaders by setting strategic agendas that advance productivity, staffing, financial performance, business development, and collaboration across offices.
  • Support the creation/implementation of the practice groups’ business and marketing plans.
  • Oversee the Department approval process of all new matters in conjunction with the new matter intake process.
  • Manage the onboarding and offboarding processes for lawyers and business professionals.
  • Monitor financial performance by reviewing financial reports/dashboards; manage non-billable expenses; contribute to quarterly collection committees.
  • Oversee docketing professional teams, focusing on accuracy and process and system improvement.
  • Ensure paraprofessionals receive appropriate supervision, continuous meaningful training and engagement.
  • Organize agendas and programming for department meetings, including quarterly partner financial updates, all-fee earner sessions, monthly associate and attorney meetings, and in-person events such as the Annual Meeting and Firm Seminar.
  • Conduct annual visits to each Ballard office with department presence; meet individually with local Matter Billing Lawyers regarding metrics/business development.
  • Engage Office Managing Partners and Directors on recruiting, staffing, productivity and other local matters as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Business Development team; support business plans and departmental goals, ensure alignment with the budget, and review and approve expenses.
  • Stay abreast of developments in legal technology and AI and integrate innovative tools into the Department’s operations to enhance efficiency, profitability, and client value.
  • Implement technology and process improvements specific to IP practice management.
  • Develop strategies with the Pricing and Profitability team for client arrangements.
  • Collaborate with Attorney Career Advancement for salary adjustments and bonuses and set training curriculum for lawyers.
  • Participate in recruiting and integration programs for lateral, promoted partners and counsel and lateral and entry-level associates; identify hiring lateral strategies.

Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in law or business is a plus.
  • At least 10 years of law firm experience required.
  • Prior experience in intellectual property practice management, including familiarity with patent and trademark practice (including prosecution and litigation) and patent and trademark prosecution deadlines and systems.
  • Strong leadership and organizational abilities.
  • Creative problem-solving ability, sound judgment, discretion, and protection of confidentiality.
  • Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving (Growth Mindset).
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Keen attention to detail with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
  • Strong financial literacy, including experience with budgeting, profitability analysis, and strategies to improve revenue performance and profitability.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including negotiation expertise, confidence, and professionalism at all levels.
  • Proficiency with technology and experience designing or implementing new processes.
  • Ability and willingness to travel for office visits, events, or professional programs as needed.