Practice Group Manager

FBT Gibbons is seeking a full-time Practice Group Manager to join our firm. The Practice Group Manager will support the business performance and daily operational needs of the firm’s Practice Groups, contributing to the advancement of the Practice Groups’ and the firm’s strategic goals and priorities. This position also helps foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, collaboration and cross-functional cooperation across groups, teams, and offices.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, execution, and monitoring of Practice Group and Department business plans and strategic initiatives, and support Practice Group Leaders in day-to-day management.
• Support Practice Group decision-making and facilitate requests and deliverables between the practice groups and various departments.
• Build relationships and engage with individual Practice Group members, including attorneys and business professionals, at the direction of Practice Group Leaders regarding Practice Group goals, priorities, and needs.
• Facilitate collaboration with other Practice Groups, Departments, industry teams and client initiatives within the firm to drive Practice Group and firm success.
• Monitor Practice Group financial performance, analyze trends, identify issues, and recommend opportunities and action plans for improvement.
• Support Practice Group Leaders and attorneys in achieving acceptable levels of profitability. Work with colleagues in the Finance department to address specific reporting and analysis.
• Partner with the Director(s) of Practice Services and Practice Group Leaders to set financial goals for the Practice Group and for the Department as a whole. Assist with annual revenue budget preparation and the management of other annual planning processes.
• Collaborate with Practice Group Leaders, Directors of Practice Services and Pricing to establish attorney billing rates and advise on other drivers of Practice Group financial performance.
• Assist Practice Group Leaders with attorney workforce planning and forecasting, as well as attorney recruitment, retention, and training. Provide input on attorney evaluation, compensation and advancement. Assist with follow-up to performance evaluations for associates and partners.
• Monitor productivity, utilization, time entry and related information to help inform work assignments, facilitate collaboration and support individual and group performance.
• Facilitate communication, collaboration and knowledge-sharing within and across Practice Groups. Assist Practice Group Leaders in organizing regular Practice Group meetings, retreats, and other forms of team connectivity.
• Support the integration of new lateral attorneys into practice groups and manage attorney departure process.
• Liaise with firm administrative departments to ensure Practice Group Leaders and practice groups receive needed support in all areas for effective and efficient client service.
• Assist Practice Group Leaders and Director(s) of Practice Services to ensure Practice Group operations run smoothly, including proactively resolving issues and identifying opportunities to improve by collaborating with firm administrative departments and key stakeholders.
• Address ongoing and ad hoc information, reporting and technology needs.
• Prepare annual Practice Group expense budgets and track expenditures.
• Other projects as assigned by Practice Group Leaders and Directors of Practice Services.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required. J.D. or MBA highly desirable.
• Minimum three years of experience in roles involving leadership/management, business operations, project management, financial analysis/reporting.
• Experience in a law firm in an attorney-facing role is required. Experience as a practicing attorney is helpful but not required.
• Regular in person interaction with other FBT Gibbons personnel, clients and/or representatives at the worksite.
• Strong interpersonal skills and executive presence to build relationships and gain the confidence of key stakeholders.
• Strong client service and collaborative mindset; able to work effectively with multiple stakeholders at all levels to achieve buy-in and results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong planning and organization skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business and financial acumen; sound judgment and analytical thinking with attention to detail.
• Motivated self-starter; proactive approach and positive, “can-do” attitude.
• Commitment to handle confidential and sensitive information with the appropriate discretion.
• Ability to work over 40 hours per week and travel as needed across the firm’s footprint. Weekend travel may be required from time to time. Travel time estimates are moderate (15-20%).

FBT Gibbons offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and 401k/profit sharing retirement package.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

FBT Gibbons is fully committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. It is the policy of FBT Gibbons to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, military status, veteran status, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability or any other protected status.

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