Strategic Practice Operations Lead

Winston & Strawn LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Winston Taylor seeks a Practice Operations Manager to support the daily operational and financial performance of its litigation practice groups. The role partners with attorneys and admin teams to execute business plans, drive tech-enabled innovation, and advance strategic priorities at the practice level.

You will monitor KPIs, collaborate to improve profitability, and support lateral integration and timekeeper utilization management across the firm. A strong analytics background is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, degree in finance or accounting preferred. JD or MBA a plus.
• 5+ years' experience in law firm operations, professional services operations, or financial/business management roles required.
• Excellent written communication and well-developed oral presentation abilities.
• Must live within a commutable distance to a firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities and the ability to translate firm-wide goals into actionable practice-level plans.

Responsibilities

• Monitor financial performance at the Department and Practice Group levels, including utilization, realization, revenue, profitability, and other performance metrics.
• Report regularly on KPIs. Collaborate with DPOs to improve group financial performance and monitor progress.
• Collaborate with Directors of Practice Operations and Pricing Team to enhance attorney understanding of profitability and drive leverage.
• Monitor and manage practice group expense budgets.
• Assist with transition and integration of newly hired lateral partners and groups.
• Support partnership nomination and promotions process with materials for Department Leadership and Executive Committee.
• Collaborate with Professional Development to support training aligned with firm priorities.
• Ensure practice groups communicate regularly on development, business development, talent management and financial performance issues.
• Assist in development and execution of business plans with Practice Group Leaders and Business Development teams.
• Drive firm-wide strategic plan execution focusing on revenue and efficiency at the practice level.
• Facilitate technology-driven process improvements and AI eval/adoption within practice operations.
• Help manage special projects supporting client acquisition and expansion goals.

Skills

Great communication

Project management

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Finance or accounting preferred

JD or MBA a plus

Job description

Winston Taylor seeks a Practice Operations Manager to support the daily operational and financial performance of its litigation practice groups. The role partners with attorneys and admin teams to execute business plans, drive tech-enabled innovation, and advance strategic priorities at the practice level.

You will monitor KPIs, collaborate to improve profitability, and support lateral integration and timekeeper utilization management across the firm. A strong analytics background is essential.