Practice Manager (Law Firm) at Dunn & Braxton

Job Summary:

• The company seeks an experienced Practice Manager who will be responsible for the overall management and execution of support function activities across the firm (General Management).
• This individual will also develop and execute the firm's marketing strategy, support the firm's strategic planning process (Practice Development), and define and implement best-in-class people management practices and policies across the firm, encompassing recruitment, performance management, employee welfare, training, and more (General Management).
• The ideal candidate for this role must have exceptional communication and time management skills, along with expertise in general management, practice development, and human resources management.

Key Responsibilities:
General Management

• Provide effective leadership and oversight to support personnel, functions and departments across the Firm, including file registry, IT, Library, Facility Management, Accounts, Administration, Business Development, Paralegal team, etc.
• Support the Firm’s leadership in practice development, including strategic planning and implementation, business development, and financial, client, and people management activities.
• Oversee the activities of the accounts function and work closely with the practice accountant to ensure appropriate tracking and collection of receivables.
• Drive business development for the Firm, including tracking, monitoring, and evaluation of these activities.
• Take ownership of the implementation of approved operations and HR policies and ensure compliance by all staff.
• Ensure effective utilization of information technology across the Firm’s processes, including optimization of the Firm’s investments in IT (hardware and software) across the Firm and taking reports from the IT Lead.
• Monitor and stay abreast of industry, national and global developments, trends, and events to ensure that the Firm can maintain and sharpen its competitive positioning and advantage.
• In conjunction with the Practice accountant, prepare and submit periodic management reports on practice management activities for management decision-making.
• Ensure proper documentation and articulation of all of the firm’s management policies and processes.
• Implementation and management of formal procurement policies for all office procurement.

Practice Development

• Support the Partner (Practice Development) in practice development, including strategic planning and implementation, business development, client relationship management, etc.
• Develop and implement effective marketing and business development strategies, in line with the firm’s goals, and develop budgets to support the initiatives outlined in these plans.
• Provide support to Practice Units and the management teams in the implementation of approved sales and marketing plans
• Develop and implement approved key account management strategies for the Firm.
• Manage the preparation of tailored responses to RFPs and RFQs and seek client feedback on pitches.
• Conduct research and report on clients, trends, business opportunities, competitor strategies etc.
• Supervising the IT and Media support teams in managing the Firm’s web initiatives including the website, social media accounts etc. to enhance the Firm’s social media presence.
• Oversee the production and distribution of marketing and other communications materials including the Firm’s newsletter, press publications, etc.
• Identify and assess business development and marketing opportunities such as speaking opportunities for Partners and other lawyers, sponsorships, events and organization memberships.
• Conduct client satisfaction surveys and develop service improvement plans.
• Oversee legal ranking submissions, such as to Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, Chambers and Partners, etc.
• Track and maintain practice group experience for proposals, directory submissions, etc.
• Ensure proper documentation and articulation of all of the firm’s practice development policies and processes.
   

HR
 

• Develop and implement the Firm’s HR and recruitment strategy in line with leading practice as well as the Firm’s overall business goals and objectives.
• Prepare the Firm’s HR annual plan.
• Prepare and rollout the Firm’s training plan and calendar in conjunction with the Partner (General Management) and Partner (Practice Development).
• Champion the timely implementation of the Firm’s performance management process including appraisals (twice yearly), feedback, etc.
• Coordinate the Firm’s recruitment process including candidate sourcing, shortlisting, assessment, onboarding etc.
• Review, maintain and update the Firm’s organization structure, job descriptions and manning levels as required.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date employee records digitally.
• Facilitate accurate and timely payroll processing and salary disbursement.
• Rollout periodic employee satisfaction survey and compile results for reporting.
• Ensure that the HR Policies and Procedures manual and staff handbook are up to date in line with current trends, realities and best practices.
• Keep abreast on all matters affecting staff and their welfare, and escalate any staff-related issues or complaint accordingly.
• Manage staff exit interviews.

Protocol

• Organize any social party/retreats being hosted by the office.
• Recommend, and procure, as may be approved, gift items for Firm’s clients/other beneficiaries as may be approved.
• Perform such other protocol functions as may be assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, or relevant field with minimum of a Second-Class Honors (Upper Division) or equivalent.
• CIPM or relevant qualification is preferred.
• 5-9 years of experience in a senior management role.
• Experience in the Legal Industry is a benefit.
• Fluent written and spoken English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in CRM software may be required.
• Verifiable guarantors may be required.
• A mature and professional demeanor with a strong work ethic is a definite asset.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Client Focus: High internal customer (staff) satisfaction with support services.
• Process Improvement: Successful implementation of policies and procedures, streamlined operations, and at least 80% collection rate.
• Reporting & Transparency: Timely and accurate delivery of management reports (financial, HR, etc.).
• Talent Management: Skilled workforce with necessary expertise and high employee satisfaction.
• Business Growth: Increased number of new clients.
• Technology Performance: Effective and optimized IT services (uptime, reliability, efficiency, innovation).
• Strategic Alignment: Successful implementation of the strategic plan and alignment of planned activities with actual initiatives (e.g., performance reviews).
• Data Management: Accurate and up-to-date digital employee records.
• Financial Performance: Reduced operational costs, eliminated waste, and improved overall efficiency.