PRACTICE SPECIALIST

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Our clients look to us to bring a distinctively high degree of quality, intensity and creativity to resolve legal challenges effectively and cost efficiently. We believe in hiring talented and dedicated individuals as members of our administrative community. We draw on the strength of our culture and structure to deliver the best of our firm to our lawyers and clients through true collaboration.

The firm is seeking a full-time Practice Specialist to become a member of the Practice Management team. The Practice Specialist will be responsible for working closely with practice managers at the firm, to help develop and implement strategic priorities and facilitate operational aspects of specific practice groups. Responsible areas are wide-ranging and include supporting the day-to-day operations and strategic planning and management for the relevant groups.

The Practice Specialist will be part of a high-functioning and closely knit Practice Management team, regularly working alongside members of the firm’s Business Development, Professional Development and Finance teams as well as other professional staff throughout the firm In this role, the Practice Specialist will report directly to a senior member of the Practice Management team with regular interaction with partners, counsel and associates in multiple groups.

The successful candidate must have an interest in driving momentum to achieve the strategic goals of the firm. The individual will develop a deep knowledge of relevant practice areas, the legal marketplace and competitive landscape, business development and talent management techniques, and the client base and prospective clients. Importantly, the individual will work on cross-practice and cross-department initiatives, progressing the practice’s efforts in the context of the firm’s overall goals. This position requires a proactive, self-motivated and effective team player who works well in an environment that is collegial but also fast-paced.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support regular operations and promote organizational efficiencies of the relevant practice groups, including:

o Tracking, monitoring and maintaining running lists of pipeline matters and business and client development opportunities

o Following up regarding assigned action items to ensure completion within agreed-upon timelines

o Facilitating the organization and implementation of practice group training and development programs and events

• Support lawyers and senior members of the Practice Management team in compiling and disseminating internal group updates and priorities

• Work with lawyers and senior members of the Practice Management team on financial performance management of the relevant practice and industry groups, including monitoring of key metrics and billing arrangements and facilitating legal project management efforts

• Coordinate with senior members of the Practice Management team on retention, succession planning, promotions processes, recruiting, lateral onboarding, and other aspects of talent management for the relevant practice and industry groups

• Support client development and market prominence efforts by performing competitor research and industry analysis, participating in proposal preparation, assisting with legal directory submissions and publication of thought leadership and coordinating meetings to address emerging client needs and market trends

• Other duties relating to Practice Management and Marketing Department’s initiatives and broader firm initiatives

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively with lawyers and staff at all levels within the organization, and from time to time with clients and third parties.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail is critical and must be demonstrated.

• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Self-starter; ability to work efficiently and effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.

• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships, especially at a senior level across a matrix model organization.

• Comfortable making decisions independently, yet informs and consults others regularly on relevant matters.

• High level of emotional intelligence and discretion

• Proactive approach and can-do attitude with problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work flexibly to accommodate occasional early morning, evening and weekend needs of the lawyers.

• Advanced skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• InterAction/CRM experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience practicing as a lawyer and/or in a practice management, client relationship management, business development or professional development role in a law firm; or similar experience in another professional services firm.

• At least three years of employment in a law firm is preferred.

TO APPLY:

A resume and cover letter are required to apply for this position.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other legally protected category in accordance with U.S. law.