Managing Director

DLA Piper•Palo Alto, CA

2d•$232,500 - $313,893•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together. Summary The Managing Director, in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, provides internally and externally facing support to improve key client relationships. This particular role will support the Emerging Growth practice in Silicon Valley. As the Managing Director you will be responsible for interacting directly with clients to ensure consistent team performance and discuss any billing or collections issues. You will also be responsible for group administrative management, including conflicts, billing, collections, hiring, training, and knowledge content. Location This position is located in our Palo Alto or San Francisco office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Requirements

Superior communication skills coupled with demonstrated ability to present complex information to senior leadership.
Ability to be innovative, creative and operate in a proactive manner with a broad range of professionals.
Must have demonstrated leaderships skills to include problem solving, planning, negotiating and decision-making for effective management.
Ability to serve as a strategic advisor.
Must be able to demonstrate and adhere to confidentiality and to interact with tact and resourcefulness.
Proven dedication to assisting the firm in delivering exceptional client service both internally and externally.
Must be willing to travel as needed.
Bachelor's Degree in Legal studies, Finance, Business Administration or similar field.
10+ years of legal/law firm experience within practice management.

Nice To Haves

Responsibilities

Matter & Financial Management - Oversee pitch and proposal activity, matter opening, budgeting, and compliance with client guidelines.
- Monitor WIP (work-in-progress), billing, collections, and profitability metrics for the partner’s portfolio.
- Coordinate with billing teams to ensure timely and accurate invoicing aligned with client requirements.
- Work with collections on tracking payments and allocations.
- Track and report on key financial KPIs, proactively identifying risks and opportunities.
Operational Leadership - Serve as the primary liaison between the partner and internal business teams (finance, billing, administrative support, marketing, etc.).
- Lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team to deliver exceptional client service and operational excellence, including International where involved.
- Implement best practices for matter management, workflow optimization, and resource allocation.
Client Service & Relationship Support - Ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines and reporting requirements.
- Support client-facing administrative needs, including status reports, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Partner with the firm’s pricing and legal project management teams to develop and maintain alternative fee arrangements and matter plans.
Process Improvement & Technology - Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
- Leverage firm technology platforms for matter tracking, reporting, and collaboration.
- Train and mentor team members on best practices and tools.
Strategic - Involved in strategic planning process.
- Ensure strategic plan outlines actions to achieve Firm performance goals.
- Monitor plan execution and regularly report on progress against plan to Practice Group Leader and Firm Leadership.
- Adjust plan to ensure it remains relevant in light of changing market dynamics, economic climate and business trends.