Practice Manager

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 131,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonuses

Comprehensive benefits program

Work-life balance emphasis

Job summary

McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is seeking a Practice Manager to oversee and drive practice development initiatives in Chicago, Illinois. The role involves project management across multiple practice groups, supporting strategic priorities, and ensuring operational excellence.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years in a professional environment, demonstrating strong organizational and analytical skills. The compensation target is between $131,000 and $203,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in a professional service environment.
• Strong project management and critical thinking skills.
• Reliable and flexible with a high degree of initiative.

Responsibilities

• Drive organization and execution across practice groups.
• Support implementation of practice group strategic priorities.
• Manage and communicate lateral recruiting pipeline.

Skills

Project management

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Excel

PowerPoint

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent

Job description

Practice Manager – Practice Development

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a Practice Manager to deliver and manage substantive practice development initiatives as directed by the Practice Group Directors. The role supports the operational and organizational needs of multiple practice groups.

Responsibilities

• Drive organization and execution across practice groups to ensure priorities, timelines and deliverables remain on track.
• Support implementation of practice group strategic priorities by working closely with practice leadership to define goals and monitor progress.
• Support day‑to‑day operations of the practice groups under the direction of the Practice Group Director.
• Project‑manage delivery of substantive practice development initiatives and projects as directed by practice leadership.
• Coordinate associate onboarding, integration and off‑boarding, and assist integration efforts as needed with other positions.
• Manage and communicate lateral recruiting pipeline across practice leadership.
• Support the operational aspects of running the practice group, including drafting leadership communications, assisting with the organization and planning of internal and external practice meetings, and aiding with promotion, compensation and evaluation processes.
• Track census file changes and ensure that these changes flow to other practice group reporting.
• Partner with Finance & Accounting to review and analyze key financial metrics including capacity and profitability.
• Analyze targeted financial reports to identify and explain specific trends and anomalies, including advising on aspects related to billing and matter management.
• Support reporting and analysis of time‑keeper capacity and utilization based on practice group needs.
• Serve as a liaison between practice groups and administrative departments (Business Development and Marketing, HR, Professional Development, Accounting and Finance) to ensure operational excellence, efficiencies and effective use of resources.
• Foster cross‑platform communication and idea exchange, particularly with similar practice support and operational roles across the firm.
• Identify and implement technology solutions, including AI tools and workflow automation, to improve operational efficiency, reporting, communication and project execution across the PGD team.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent required.
• At least 5‑7 years of experience in a professional service environment.
• Strong project management and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work well with all levels of management.
• Reliable and flexible with a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to work independently, set work goals and objectives.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, including Excel and PowerPoint, with exceptional attention to detail.

Compensation & Benefits

Target hiring range: $131,000 – $203,000. Compensation includes a competitive total rewards package, discretionary bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program covering physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work‑life balance. Performance‑based bonuses are available.

EEO Statement

Pursuant to the SanFrancisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The position requires sitting, reaching, stooping and occasional lifting up to 20pounds. Typical indoor office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.