Client Operations Project Manager

Skadden, Arps...LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus

Health care

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Learning & development

Well-being programs

Community involvement

Job summary

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Washington, DC, seeks a Client Operations Project Manager to partner with partners, practice areas and client teams. You will oversee client accounting and administrative operations, manage onboarding, billing, e-billing and collections, and coordinate engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines.

The role is highly client-facing, requires five years in law firm client administration or related functions, and offers competitive compensation and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
• 5+ years in law-firm or professional services client administration, billing or related functions.
• Strong analytical, organizational and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and delivers updates on onboarding, billing, collections and financial performance.
• Guides partners and teams on client accounting processes and policies.
• Collaborates with clients and accounting to resolve invoice issues and allocate charges.
• Coordinates e-billing submissions, approvals and rejections with billing staff.
• Monitors timekeeper rates, approvals and discrepancies; tracks budgets and AFAs.
• Ensures timely engagement letters and compliance with outside counsel guidelines.

Skills

Client administration

Billing processes

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree/certifications

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Aderant Expert

iManage

Job description

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation and regulatory matters, and for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across more than 50 practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

Opportunity

Position: Client Operations Project Manager

Location: DC office (hybrid)

The Client Operations Project Manager serves as a strategic partner and the primary point of contact for assigned partners, practice areas, their clients, and the firm’s client administration and accounting teams. This role is highly partner and client-facing and is responsible for actively engaging with partners, clients, and internal teams to facilitate day‑to‑day administrative operations and resolve complex issues related to client accounting procedures. The manager drives the client/matter lifecycle forward, facilitating processes such as new business intake, billing rates and special arrangements, RFPs, pricing, billing, e‑billing and collections. The manager tracks and coordinates negotiation of client outside counsel guidelines, requests for new engagement letters and client audit requests, and serves as the single point of contact to move matters forward, address outstanding issues and ensure timely completion of all client accounting processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepares and delivers regular updates and analysis on client onboarding, billing, collections and financial performance.
• Provides guidance and support to partners and team members regarding client accounting processes, policies and best practices.
• Collaborates with clients and accounting teams to resolve invoice issues, including analyzing and reallocating charges to meet client requirements and budgets.
• Facilitates information for the e‑billing team to submit bills electronically, track invoice status and address rejections or deductions with billing and collections staff.
• Works with the Rates team to ensure successful timekeeper and rate submissions, monitors approvals and resolves discrepancies.
• Tracks matter accruals against approved client budgets and alternative fee arrangements to identify variances and profitability trends and escalates potential issues early.
• Coordinates and monitors requests for new engagement letters, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Maintains client outside counsel guidelines reviews and coordinates responses to client audit requests.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase scalability, efficiency and client service delivery.
• Ensures compliance with firm operations, policies and procedures and handles sensitive matters with discretion.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust‑based relationships with partners and clients; strong analytical, organizational and project‑management skills; excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; deep understanding of law‑firm client administration; proficiency in Outlook, Excel, Aderant Expert and iManage; ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities; solutions‑oriented critical thinker; strong attention to detail, discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters; ability to work independently and within a team; flexibility to adjust hours for operating needs.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred. Minimum of five years of law‑firm or professional services experience in client administration, billing or related functions.

Culture & Life at Skadden

Our culture values teamwork, professional excellence and inclusion. We promote professionalism and inspire each other to be our best in a collaborative environment. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development, growth and well‑being.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and year‑end discretionary bonuses; comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits; generous paid time off, paid leave options including parental leave; in‑classroom, remote and on‑demand learning and professional development opportunities; robust well‑being classes and programs; opportunities to give back to local communities.

For further details, please visit https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

Salary Details

$130,000 – $150,000. Actual salary determined based on skills, experience and other job‑related factors consistent with applicable law.

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735‑2176.