Director of Practice Management

We have an immediate need for a Director of Practice Management for the Intellectual Property Group of a leading law firm. This is a full time direct hire opportunity that offers an excellent salary and benefits package along with a hybrid work schedule.Job Duties Include:Overseeing daily business operations including financial health, internal organization, business development, practice expansion/recruitment, fee earner supervision & training.Working with Department Chair to drive regular meetings of the Department’s senior members, lawyers, and Practice Group Leaders by setting strategic agendas that focus and advance productivity, staffing, financial performance, business development, and collaboration across offices.Supporting the creation/implementation of the practice groups’ business and marketing plans.Overseeing the Department approval process of all new matters in conjunction with the new matter intake process.Managing the onboarding and offboarding processes for lawyers and business professionals.Monitoring financial performance by reviewing financial reports/dashboards; managing non-billable expenses; and contributing to quarterly collection committees.Overseeing docketing professional teams, with a focus on accuracy and process and system improvement.Ensuring paraprofessionals receive appropriate supervision, along with continuous meaningful training and engagement.Organizing agendas and programming for department meetings, including quarterly partner financial updates, all-fee earner sessions, monthly associate and attorney meetings, sessions for other lawyer classifications and planning and executing content for in-person events such as the Annual Meeting and Firm Seminar.Conducting annual visits to each Ballard office with department presence; meeting individually with local Matter Billing Lawyers regarding metrics/business development.Engaging Office Managing Partners and Directors on recruiting, staffing, productivity and other local matters as needed.Collaborating with the Marketing and Business Development team and providing support for business plans and departmental goals, ensuring alignment with the budget, and reviewing and approving expenses.Staying abreast of developments in legal technology and AI and integrate innovative tools into the Department’s operations to enhance efficiency, profitability, and client value.Implementing technology and process improvements specific to IP practice management.Developing strategies with the Pricing and Profitability team for client arrangements.Collaborating with Attorney Career Advancement (ACA) for salary adjustments and bonuses and setting appropriate training curriculum for lawyers.Participating in recruiting and integration programs for lateral, promoted partners and counsel and lateral and entry-level associates; and identifying hiring lateral strategies by working closely with Department Leadership and recruiting teams.Job Requirements Include:Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of law firm experience are required; an advanced degree in law or business is a plus. Prior experience in intellectual property practice management, including familiarity with patent and trademark practice (including prosecution and litigation) and patent and trademark prosecution deadlines and systemsStrong leadership and organizational abilitiesThorough understanding of the legal industry and law firm management, and strong financial literacy, including experience with budgeting, profitability analysis, and strategies to improve revenue performance and profitability. Excellent interpersonal skills—including negotiation expertise, confidence, and professionalism at all levels—are essential.Proficiency with technology and experience designing or implementing new processes are required. Must be able and willing to travel for office visits, events, or professional programs as needed.