Practice Specialist

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a leading international law firm with offices across the world. It has a substantial European practice with particular emphasis on international arbitration and litigation, cross-border acquisitions, capital markets transactions, private equity funds, financings and restructurings. The London office has more than 120 lawyers, including 29 partners and 22 international counsel. Over two thirds of our lawyers are UK-qualified. Our London lawyers work closely with their colleagues in New York, Paris and Frankfurt, as well as with lawyers in our other offices. The London office has an overall count of around 260.

We have one of the leading private funds practices in the world, with coverage in the US, Europe and Asia. Our integrated team of funds, regulatory and tax specialists advise a wide range of fund managers and advisers with a variety of strategies, including private equity and venture capital, real estate, infrastructure and debt. The European team works with UK, continental European, US and global asset managers, and is ranked in Band 2 for Private Equity Funds by Chambers UK.

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 the firm’s European Investment Management Group to facilitate operational aspects of running the group and help develop and implement the practice group’s strategic priorities. Responsibility areas are wide-ranging and include supporting the day-to-day operations, financial performance management and strategic planning and execution for the European Investment Management Group.

The Practice Specialist will be part of a high-functioning and closely knit Practice Management team, regularly working alongside members of the firm’s Finance, Legal Project Management, Business Development and Talent teams as well as other professional staff throughout the firm to support successful operation and management of the practice.  In this role, the Practice Specialist will report directly to senior members of the Practice Management and Marketing team with regular interaction with the European Investment Management Group partners as well as counsel and associates in the group.

The successful candidate must have an interest in driving momentum to achieve the practice’s strategic goals. The individual will develop a deep knowledge of the investment management practice area, firm and practice group economics, the legal marketplace and competitive landscape, business development and talent management techniques, and the practice’s 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:

• Promote successful and efficient financial performance management of the European Investment Management Group, including:
  • Monitoring of key metrics and billing arrangements and facilitating legal project management efforts
  • Progressing client billing and collection processes
  • Generating timely and comprehensive status reports for the practice group and firm management    
• Support regular operations and promote organizational efficiencies, including:
  • Tracking, monitoring and maintaining running lists of business and client development opportunities
  • Following up regarding assigned action items to ensure completion within agreed-upon timelines
  • 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

Facilitate various talent initiatives, including efforts relating to succession planning, promotions and hiring  

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 in a practice management, finance, client relationship management, business development or professional development role in a law firm; or similar experience in an alternative asset management firm or other professional services firm.
• At least three years of employment in a law firm is preferred.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.