Department Operating Officer - Litigation

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The Department Operating Officer (DOO) is responsible for the practice management and operational support of the Litigation Department (Litigation).  This person will have overall responsibility for developing, implementing and managing procedures, systems and staff to effectively support the diverse needs of the Department and its practice areas. The DOO works closely with and in support of the Department Chair, the Vice Chairs, Practice Group Chairs, firm and administrative leadership, and the firm’s Litigation lawyers, paralegals and business professionals across a variety of functions. This position handles a wide variety of strategic, operational, financial, talent, and practice and project management initiatives, primarily guided by the firm’s strategic plan and objectives and the need to create long term, sustainable success in the Department.

Operational and Strategic Practice Management

• Work with Department Chair, Vice Chairs and firm leadership team in advancement of firm and Department strategic initiatives.
• Work with Department and Practice Group leadership to monitor market, practice and demand trends. Master and utilize firm resources, systems and applications to provide financial or other analyses as needed to understand and effect strategic changes in the Department.
• Collaborate with business development & marketing to accomplish key business plan objectives and track accountability of practice groups, client teams and partners.
• Instill a culture of engagement, collaboration and relationship building with attorneys. Visit offices to meet with attorneys and attend appropriate Department and firm meetings to help facilitate connections between attorneys within and outside the Department.
• Assist in lateral hiring processes, including assessment of hiring needs and monitoring onboarding and integration issues.
• Facilitate the development and communication of financial and operational updates, department plans, strategies and issues to department leadership and members.
• Identify operational issues and requirements related to design, implementation and performance of Department business and practice management processes. Challenge existing procedures and identify areas for improvements.
• Manage the firm’s litigation docketing and litigation support functions.

Financial

• Assist Firm and Department leadership in developing and managing financial Department operating budgets.
• Identify and analyze performance and demand trends and assist the Department Chair in managing toward Department and Firm objectives, with emphasis on utilization, demand and cross-servicing clients.
• Review financial results and trends with the Department Chair and other firm leaders as needed.
• In coordination with the Practice and Pricing Analytics team and the Department Chair, evaluate pricing and profitability trends for practice groups, partners and clients and support the evaluation and implementation of annual rates, pricing arrangements, and outside counsel guideline financial terms, as appropriate.
• In coordination with Accounting & Finance Department, identify, elevate and address attorney business practice issues, including time entry issues and aged WIP and A/R balances.

Talent/Human Resources

• Assist Department Chair and Vice Chairs in the compensation, bonus and promotion processes for all attorneys in the Department.
• Monitor attorney productivity and utilization. Assist with work allocation where needed.
• Assess attorney staffing needs and business case for hiring within the Department and Practice Groups. Work with the Legal Recruiting team and Department/Office Leadership throughout the hiring process.
• In coordination with Professional Development team, regularly review and enhance training programs offered by the Department for attorneys and business professionals. This includes assessing the training needs of all lawyers (including Partners) and making appropriate recommendations for the same.
• Assist with attorney offboarding and departure process items, including coordinating with various administrative and project teams.
• Work with the Director of Paralegals to provide consultative guidance on hiring, staffing and utilization of non-attorney timekeepers in the Department.

Project Management/Other

• Lead and/or participate in implementing firm-initiated projects. Serve as a conduit for project teams in disseminating and communicating new tools and programs.
• Work with Firm Leadership, Department Chair and Vice Chairs, Office leadership and other administrative leadership related to implementation and management of other strategic and operational objectives.

• Bachelor's Degree required, JD or MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of either litigation practice experience within AmLaw 100 firms or 10 years of position‑related experience, e.g., senior‑level management position, with demonstrated leadership abilities, record of achievement, increasing responsibility, and business acumen required. 
• Management and supervisory experience required.
• Law firm experience, including direct practice experience or pricing and practice management experience, strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the litigation practice area in the legal service vertical strongly preferred.

*Open to considering other Foley office locations* #LI-Hybrid

Pursuant to the Washington DC Pay Transparency Law and Illionis Pay Equity Act the salary range is between $220,000 - $320,000.  The actual offered amount will be determined based on the following factors: education, experience, geographic market, and internal pay equity at Foley.