Client Portfolio Supervisor

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago seeks a Client Portfolio Supervisor to own the full billing lifecycle for large client matters, coordinating with attorneys, administrators, and finance teams to drive timely invoicing and cash collection.

You will supervise a Billing Senior Coordinator, mentor staff, and implement process improvements while ensuring compliance with Outside Counsel Guidelines and firm policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Five+ years of progressively responsible billing experience.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supervising billing professionals.
• Advanced Excel skills to analyze financial data and generate reports.
• Ability to analyze complex billing issues and provide effective solutions.
• Strong communication with senior stakeholders and client contacts.

Responsibilities

• Own the full life cycle of billing time entries from inception to final collection.
• Advise partners on billing practices and guide lawyers and assistants on time-entry practices.
• Analyze financial data and aged unbilled time to identify risks and follow-up needs.
• Collaborate with Revenue-cycle teams to resolve complex issues and minimize delays.
• Maintain knowledge of client requirements and electronic billing standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline billing and strengthen controls.
• Supervise and train the Billing Senior Coordinator and oversee performance reviews.
• Ensure coverage and succession planning for the portfolio.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Billing analysis

Stakeholder communication

Mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

3E or similar billing system

Job description

The Client Portfolio Supervisor serves as the primary point of contact for partners, senior management, Firm personnel, and client-side administrators for assigned large and complex client accounts. The Supervisor oversees the billing and revenue cycle for the assigned portfolio, partners with attorneys and internal teams to resolve complex billing matters, and develops strong relationships with Firm and client contacts to ensure timely communication, efficient processes, and a high level of service. The role also supervises and develops a dedicated Billing Senior Coordinator and promotes analytical thinking, effective problem-solving, and continuous process improvement.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Own the full life cycle of billing time entries for assigned matters from inception to final collection, ensuring prompt progression through the full revenue cycle.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to partners regarding billing practices, identifying issues that may cause delays and providing guidance to lawyers and their assistants on effective time-entry and billing practices.
• Analyze financial and client data, including aged unbilled time, to identify trends, risks, and items requiring follow-up or escalation to support timely billing and collection.
• Partner with Client Arrangements, Pricing, Electronic Billing, Cash Applications, Cost Recovery, Collections, and other revenue-cycle teams to resolve complex issues and minimize billing and collection delays.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of billing arrangements, Outside Counsel Guidelines, electronic billing requirements, and other client‑specific requirements for the assigned portfolio.
• Identify opportunities to streamline billing processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen controls; develop and implement process improvements and share effective practices across the department.
• Supervise and train the dedicated Billing Senior Coordinator responsible for routine portfolio activities, including edits, transfers, proforma distribution, and electronic billing submissions, ensuring work is completed accurately and timely.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and career development to the Billing Senior Coordinator and complete annual performance reviews in accordance with Firm practices.
• Ensure appropriate coverage and continuity for the assigned portfolio, including preparing the Billing Senior Coordinator to provide backup support and coordinating additional resources when issues require greater subject‑matter expertise.
• Monitor compliance with Accounting policies, procedures, internal controls, and client requirements for the assigned portfolio and elevate significant issues as appropriate.

Required

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible billing experience.
• Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or supervising billing professionals.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to analyze and interpret financial data, and proficiency in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex billing issues, identify root causes, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders and client contacts.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Previous billing or revenue‑cycle experience in a law firm or other professional services environment.
• Experience with 3E or comparable legal billing systems and electronic billing platforms.

Other Skills And Abilities

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

The Target Salary Range For This Role Is

$98,300 - $125,000 if located in Illinois.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.