Senior Practice Manager, Litigation

Baker Hostetler has an excellent opportunity for an experienced practice management professional to join the firm’s newly established Practice Management department and work creatively to build and implement practice management functions. The Litigation Senior Practice Manager will serve as an innovative strategic management partner and trusted advisor to the Practice Group Chair and key stakeholders of the Litigation practice (together, the “Practice Group Leaders” or “PGLs”).

The Litigation Senior Practice Manager will report directly to the firmwide Director of Practice Management and will work closely with Group and Firm leaders to support the attorneys of the Litigation Group. This hybrid role, located in Cleveland, Atlanta, Columbus, Washington DC, New York, or Houston, will drive operational efficiency and excellence, manage resource allocation, and steer implementation of practice group strategy and objectives.

• Collaborate with Litigation PGLs and firmwide leadership in the development and execution of strategic plans in alignment with practice group and firmwide goals
• Preparation, distribution, and presentation of meeting materials and practice group reports; preparation of meeting agendas and talking points, manage calendar of practice group meetings, retreats, and team events
• Work allocation management, staffing Group leadership, productivity reporting; resource allocation reorganization; associate workflow planning
• Group planning and talent inventory management, including analysis, evaluation and recommendations relating to headcount, leverage, and practice expertise
• Analyze, summarize, and present regular and ad hoc reports of total practice group performance, individual timekeeper performance, and team utilization metrics
• Regular interface and check-ins with associates on workflow planning and path to partnership
• Collaborate with PGLs, Performance Development, Recruiting, and firm Counsel on talent management functions including hiring, onboarding, integration, career development, transition planning, and coaching
• Collaborate with PGLs and Performance Development on partner-led, practice-specific subject matter training programs
• Identify and lead Knowledge Management projects for the Litigation practice
• Collaborate with PGLs and Finance on annual practice group budget planning and tracking
• Liaison between the Litigation Practice Group Leaders and firmwide business services departments
• Project management of practice group and team innovations, initiatives, and projects

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Degree in management, business, financial, legal or related studies preferred
• MBA or JD preferred

• Experience as a Practice Manager or Equivalent in a law firm environment
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manager or supervisory role, preferably in legal, financial or personnel management
• Experience working in or with Litigation practices
• Must be able to travel when needed

• Deep understanding of law firm economics and dynamics
• Deep understanding of current legal market trends, innovations, and best practices
• Financial acumen with significant experience in personnel utilization and team management, realization and profitability, rates and statistical analysis, and budget management
• Advanced analytical skills: ability to interpret complex information, summarize and present dense data effectively and accurately, and provide actionable recommendations and insights
• Excellent organizational and project management skills with a focus on strategic execution and relentless attention to detail
• Professionalism, integrity, proactive leadership, and the ability to handle sensitive information with great discretion
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with the ability to correspond with all levels of business professionals, attorneys, and Firm leadership
• Relationship building and leadership skills
• Advanced technology proficiency in Windows-based software and Microsoft Office Suite applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook
• Must exhibit a high degree of initiative and the ability to…