Practice Area Manager – Corporate

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Practice Area Manager ("PAM") role is critical to the success of the Corporate practice area in the Americas region. The PAM will work alongside the Regional Practice Area Leader ("RPAL") for Corporate and drive the financial and operational performance of the practice area, connecting the strategic agenda and practice area business plan with operational delivery and financial discipline, ensuring that Firm-wide and Practice area initiatives are adopted and executed. The PAM will work with a variety of Business Professionals, including the global Corporate GBU PAM, to deliver the appropriate business professional support to the practice and will operate as a trusted advisor to all Corporate partners across the Americas region, supporting them and the RPAL in driving the practice area forward.  The successful candidate will have highly developed financial statement (P&L) analysis and management skills and a deep understanding of law firm business models, profitability drivers, etc., a strong commercial and operational background, and the ability to communicate and work effectively at all levels and across offices/functions. The Practice Area Manager - Corporate will report to the RPAL for Corporate and to the Regional COO/CFO, Americas region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with the RPAL as a trusted advisor in managing and coordinating the Corporate practice area, driving greater financial and commercial discipline throughout the practice.
• Supports the RPAL on all regional practice management initiatives, working closely with the relevant department representatives (Finance, Human Resources, Best Delivery, Client & Marketing Development, etc.). 
• Works with the RPAL, the Global Business Unit Head and the Global Practice Area Manager – Corporate responsible for the coordination across the global practice to develop and implement the global and regional practice area strategy, business, and succession plans.
• Works with the RPAL, Finance and HR to develop and substantiate any internal promotions (i.e., Associate/Counsel/NEP/EP) and lateral hire proposals, including business case, coordination with relevant stakeholders and submission of nomination papers; in addition to, recruitment, performance management, and training needs within the practice area.
• Organizes practice area/partner meetings and retreats, including preparing the agenda, materials, minutes and progressing actions as agreed with the RPAL.
• Prepares RPAL presentations and updates on management, financial, and strategic issues relevant to the practice and works with the internal Communications, BD and PSL teams to develop internal and external practice communications as required.
• Establishes and shares best practice within and across the practice area and collaborates with the other practice areas to ensure consistency of service levels; identifies opportunities for continuous improvement (including further use of the Delhi and Hyderabad offices/other hubs).
• Works closely with the Regional COO/CFO and Regional Financial Controller, and RPAL, to oversee the practice's regional financial performance and budget/forecast.
• Conducts financial and commercial discipline/operational performance discussions with stakeholders.
• Communicates at all levels and across functions. The PAM will be able to understand the nuances of different business models across the practice and will have the knowledge, people skills and awareness to drive the strategic agenda smoothly.
• Works with the Regional functional heads to deliver the appropriate business professional support to the practice (including knowledge & information, business development, communications, finance, working capital, HR, and other operational support).
• Work alongside the Professional Development team to ensure effective regional work allocation and development opportunities for lawyers.
• Works with the Best Delivery and Pricing teams to promote and embed initiatives and best practices that drive efficiencies and commercial discipline.
• Prepares regional business reports as required for relevant stakeholders.
• Proactively identifies and solves problems and can learn a wide range of disciplines to drive general management agenda.
• Helps coordinate and prepare for local and global budget meetings and keep track of practice area performance against the budget.

REQUIREMENTS:

• 7-10 years of practice/financial/commercial management experience in a law firm or professional services firm.
• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or Project Management preferred; an MBA is a plus.
• Must have a global mindset and perspective.
• Proven track record of developing advisory relationships with key stakeholders and senior leadership with the ability to influence decisions and outcomes at the senior level.
• Strong project management and analytical skills, particularly with respect to practice area P&Ls and law firm economics more generally, with attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of financial planning, budgeting, and resource planning.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and growing environment, surrounded by strong and demanding personalities.
• Facility in making effective decisions using sound judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize competing demands to meet deadlines.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with other colleagues within a matrix organization.
• Must have strong technical proficiency in various software including Microsoft Office.
• Must be independently and legally authorized to work in the United States.

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package. The salary range for this role is $200,000 to $215,000. Actual salary will be commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.

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As one of the leading international law firms, our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

We believe every career at Clifford Chance should be rewarding and stimulating –  full of opportunities to learn, thrive, and grow. That’s why we’re so proud of our inclusive, friendly and collaborative approach to work.

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At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

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Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

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