Norton Rose Fulbright LLP
Director, Strategic Pricing and Legal Project Management
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, Houston, Texas, United States, 77246
Job Description
We are a global law firm with a powerful strategic focus and real momentum. Our industry-focused strategy is seeing us take on pioneering work in places that others have yet to reach. Our shared values define our culture and our workplace. You will find us to be unusually collegial, team-oriented, and ready to innovate. We work seamlessly across practices, offices and around the world. This elimination of boundaries has allowed us to evolve into a law firm that works as hard for its culture as it does for its clients.
The Director of Strategic Pricing and Legal Project Management plays a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency, enhancing client value, and ensuring financial optimization across legal services at the firm. This role is responsible for ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic objectives and commitment to delivering high-quality legal service. These teams actively collaborate across most business services functions and globally.
The Director will possess a comprehensive understanding of law firm economics, legal billing practices, project management, and the business of law. The ideal candidate will also have an in-depth knowledge of Legal Operations, be engaged with industry discussions on the future of law firm economics and maintain strong connections with peers in the legal industry.
The role reports to the firm's Chief of US Client Value and Innovation and is hybrid/remote, preferably based in Texas.
Core Strategic Responsibilities:
Lead and manage a cross-functional team, collaborating closely with firm and practice leadership to enhance:Operational efficiency by integrating practice management and legal project management strategies to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and improve client satisfaction.Client-centric service delivery through focus on client needs, delivering value, transparency, and competitive pricing that strengthens client relationships.Profitability optimization through aligned efforts in pricing, resource allocation, budgeting including appropriate use of legal technology strengthening client value.Key Team Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Legal Project Management
Project Planning and Scoping: Work closely with partners and clients to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables for complex legal matters. Develop standardized project plans that facilitate better resource and budget management.Budget and Financial Oversight: Monitor project budgets, analyze financial data, and make real-time adjustments to manage costs effectively. Develop systems to track actual costs versus budget to maintain profitability and to ensure matters are delivered within agreed parameters and client expectations.Client and Stakeholder Communication: Facilitate transparent communication between partners, associates, and clients.Strategic Pricing
Pricing Strategy Development: Develop and execute pricing strategies tailored to client needs and firm profitability goals. Collaborate with partners to create innovative pricing models, including alternative fee arrangements (AFAs).Market Analysis and Competitor Benchmarking: Analyze market trends, client pricing preferences, and competitor offerings to keep the firm's pricing competitive and aligned with client expectations.Profitability and Financial Analysis: Assess profitability metrics at the matter and client levels, advising practice leaders and partners on rate adjustments and profitability improvements.Client Proposal and Relationship Support: Lead pricing strategy for client proposals and RFP responses, developing customized solutions that align with client goals. Present tailored and transparent pricing models that address client value considerations and build client trust.General
Practice Group Performance Analysis: Monitor financial performance, identify trends, and provide insights for each practice area. Use analytics to advise practice leaders on profitability, utilization, and potential growth areas.Lateral Integration: Collaborate with Partner Recruiting and Practice Leadership to successfully onboard and integrate new attorneys.Technology Integration: Partner with Innovation and IT to evaluate and implement technology solutions that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance client service delivery.Other duties: Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Skills and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in related field; JD or MBA preferred10+ years' experience in legal operations, project management, practice management, or pricing within a law firm environmentProven leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive operational changeStrong understanding of law firm economics and financialsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsExperience with law firm financial systems and software (SAP, Clocktimizer, Excel, SharePoint, HighQ, Intapp, time entry systems)Demonstrated managerial experience with a record of leading high-performing team(s) in a fast-paced environmentExceptional analytical and problem-solving abilitiesOutstanding relationship-building skills and personable approach to ensure consensus-based support for strategic initiatives and decisionsAbility to prioritize effectively across multiple deadlines and projectsAbility to manage sensitive information and maintain confidentiality while maintaining a diplomatic demeanorFlexibility to work nights and weekends to meet firm needs; occasional travel required
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Benefit packages include access to three medical plans, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees can also access pre-tax benefits such as health savings and flexible spending accounts. Norton Rose Fulbright helps provide financial security by allowing employees to participate in a 401(k) savings plan and profit-sharing plans if eligible. Full- time employees are eligible to access fertility benefits designed to support fertility and family-forming journeys.
In addition to the Firm's health and welfare benefits above, we offer a competitive paid time off plan, which provides a minimum of 20 days off based on your role and tenure with the firm. The firm offers a generous paid parental leave benefit allowing parents to take a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave to bond with your newborn, or adopted child(ren). Employees are also entitled to 11 Firm holidays.
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with all applicable federal laws and their implementing regulations that require the collection and recording of certain data and information. The information we receive will not be used to make any decision regarding employment and will be kept separate from your application. Similarly, self-identification information is kept confidential and used only in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Norton Rose Fulbright is committed to providing reasonable accommodation as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation to complete your application, please contact us.hr@nortonrosefulbright.com. Please provide your contact information and a description of your accessibility issue. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
Equal Employment Opportunity | EEO is the Law - Supplement | Pay Transparency
We are a global law firm with a powerful strategic focus and real momentum. Our industry-focused strategy is seeing us take on pioneering work in places that others have yet to reach. Our shared values define our culture and our workplace. You will find us to be unusually collegial, team-oriented, and ready to innovate. We work seamlessly across practices, offices and around the world. This elimination of boundaries has allowed us to evolve into a law firm that works as hard for its culture as it does for its clients.
The Director of Strategic Pricing and Legal Project Management plays a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency, enhancing client value, and ensuring financial optimization across legal services at the firm. This role is responsible for ensuring alignment with the firm's strategic objectives and commitment to delivering high-quality legal service. These teams actively collaborate across most business services functions and globally.
The Director will possess a comprehensive understanding of law firm economics, legal billing practices, project management, and the business of law. The ideal candidate will also have an in-depth knowledge of Legal Operations, be engaged with industry discussions on the future of law firm economics and maintain strong connections with peers in the legal industry.
The role reports to the firm's Chief of US Client Value and Innovation and is hybrid/remote, preferably based in Texas.
Core Strategic Responsibilities:
Lead and manage a cross-functional team, collaborating closely with firm and practice leadership to enhance:Operational efficiency by integrating practice management and legal project management strategies to streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and improve client satisfaction.Client-centric service delivery through focus on client needs, delivering value, transparency, and competitive pricing that strengthens client relationships.Profitability optimization through aligned efforts in pricing, resource allocation, budgeting including appropriate use of legal technology strengthening client value.Key Team Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Legal Project Management
Project Planning and Scoping: Work closely with partners and clients to define project scope, timelines, and deliverables for complex legal matters. Develop standardized project plans that facilitate better resource and budget management.Budget and Financial Oversight: Monitor project budgets, analyze financial data, and make real-time adjustments to manage costs effectively. Develop systems to track actual costs versus budget to maintain profitability and to ensure matters are delivered within agreed parameters and client expectations.Client and Stakeholder Communication: Facilitate transparent communication between partners, associates, and clients.Strategic Pricing
Pricing Strategy Development: Develop and execute pricing strategies tailored to client needs and firm profitability goals. Collaborate with partners to create innovative pricing models, including alternative fee arrangements (AFAs).Market Analysis and Competitor Benchmarking: Analyze market trends, client pricing preferences, and competitor offerings to keep the firm's pricing competitive and aligned with client expectations.Profitability and Financial Analysis: Assess profitability metrics at the matter and client levels, advising practice leaders and partners on rate adjustments and profitability improvements.Client Proposal and Relationship Support: Lead pricing strategy for client proposals and RFP responses, developing customized solutions that align with client goals. Present tailored and transparent pricing models that address client value considerations and build client trust.General
Practice Group Performance Analysis: Monitor financial performance, identify trends, and provide insights for each practice area. Use analytics to advise practice leaders on profitability, utilization, and potential growth areas.Lateral Integration: Collaborate with Partner Recruiting and Practice Leadership to successfully onboard and integrate new attorneys.Technology Integration: Partner with Innovation and IT to evaluate and implement technology solutions that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance client service delivery.Other duties: Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Skills and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in related field; JD or MBA preferred10+ years' experience in legal operations, project management, practice management, or pricing within a law firm environmentProven leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive operational changeStrong understanding of law firm economics and financialsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsExperience with law firm financial systems and software (SAP, Clocktimizer, Excel, SharePoint, HighQ, Intapp, time entry systems)Demonstrated managerial experience with a record of leading high-performing team(s) in a fast-paced environmentExceptional analytical and problem-solving abilitiesOutstanding relationship-building skills and personable approach to ensure consensus-based support for strategic initiatives and decisionsAbility to prioritize effectively across multiple deadlines and projectsAbility to manage sensitive information and maintain confidentiality while maintaining a diplomatic demeanorFlexibility to work nights and weekends to meet firm needs; occasional travel required
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Benefit packages include access to three medical plans, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees can also access pre-tax benefits such as health savings and flexible spending accounts. Norton Rose Fulbright helps provide financial security by allowing employees to participate in a 401(k) savings plan and profit-sharing plans if eligible. Full- time employees are eligible to access fertility benefits designed to support fertility and family-forming journeys.
In addition to the Firm's health and welfare benefits above, we offer a competitive paid time off plan, which provides a minimum of 20 days off based on your role and tenure with the firm. The firm offers a generous paid parental leave benefit allowing parents to take a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave to bond with your newborn, or adopted child(ren). Employees are also entitled to 11 Firm holidays.
Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with all applicable federal laws and their implementing regulations that require the collection and recording of certain data and information. The information we receive will not be used to make any decision regarding employment and will be kept separate from your application. Similarly, self-identification information is kept confidential and used only in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Norton Rose Fulbright is committed to providing reasonable accommodation as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation to complete your application, please contact us.hr@nortonrosefulbright.com. Please provide your contact information and a description of your accessibility issue. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
Equal Employment Opportunity | EEO is the Law - Supplement | Pay Transparency