Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

The global law firm of K&L Gates LLP is seeking a Manager, Practice Assistants to join the Washington, DC, office. The Manager of Practice Assistants manages and coordinates legal support for lawyers, paralegals, and clerks. Candidates must be self-starters who possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent communication skills and a commitment to providing the highest quality client service are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

• Establish a leadership presence that embodies our Firm’s Service Excellence Standards, incorporating change management as part of the forward-thinking culture of the office
• Collaborate with the Director of Administration and firmwide colleagues on firmwide initiatives aimed at the continuous pursuit of delivering on K&L Gates’ brand promise to help our lawyers achieve their most critical business goals
• Actively team with the Department Managers and the Director of Administration on Office Projects in a collaborative and strategic manner

Administrative and Paralegal Support

• Direct oversight for Assistants and Paralegals to ensure the delivery of timely, high-quality administrative services to our lawyers and staff
• Assist the Director of Administration with the annual budget for the Legal Support Services department; monitor the budget variance report
• Prepare and conduct annual performance reviews and correct performance issues to ensure a service-oriented and responsive approach in the support provided to the timekeepers
• Lead Practice Assistants’ one on one meetings; develop administrative meetings agendas; assign training to team members
• Assist with staffing/recruiting; review resumes; coordinate interviews, reference checks, and make recommendations for hiring decisions
• Provide training and orientation for newly hired practice assistants
• Work in conjunction with Billing Manager, Office Services Manager, Records Supervisor, and Global Shared Business Services Manager to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the Practice Assistants Team members and Shared Services personnel
• Keep current on employment laws and consult with HR Business Partner as needed
• In partnership with HR Business Partner, conduct employee counseling and development to address performance concerns; ensure proper documentation is completed
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Intermediate to Advanced Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and/or PowerPoint)
• Experience with Document management systems such as iManage is strongly preferred
• Proven leadership and management skills in large organizations and a demonstrated ability to successfully implement ideas and positively impact change
• Strong communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, and ability to exercise diplomacy and tact when dealing with others, especially in sensitive situations; effectively interact with diverse personalities
• Ability to work under pressure with multiple deadlines and concurrent projects
• Ability to think analytically, handle interruptions, and adapt quickly to varying situations while maintaining flexibility
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Manager of Practice Assistants for a large team, preferably in a legal or professional services firm.

Education

A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Salary $109,000 - $163,000

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

ABOUT THE FIRM

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, competence, and business need. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of all unlawful harassment including, without limitation, that based on sex, race, age, disability, or national origin. The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.