Client Operations Project Manager

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About Us

Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation intellect teamwork and tenacity our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions litigation/controversy issues and regulatory matters as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the worlds major financial centers.

The Opportunity

The Client Operations Project Manager serves as a strategic partner and the primary point of contact for assigned partners practice areas their clients and the firms client administration and accounting teams. This role is highly partner and client-facing and is responsible for actively engaging with partners clients and internal teams to facilitate day-to-day administrative operations and resolve complex issues related to client accounting procedures. The Client Operations Project Manager drives the client/matter lifecycle forward facilitating processes such as new business intake billing rates and special arrangements RFPs pricing billing e-billing and collections. This includes proactively tracking and coordinating negotiation of client outside counsel guidelines requests for new engagement letters and client audit requests. The Client Operations Project Manager is expected to serve as the single point of contact for partners and drive client administration and accounting processes to completion by following up on outstanding items breaking down and resolving issues and ensuring that all stakeholders are kept informed and aligned. By alleviating administrative burdens and ensuring operational efficiency this position enables partners to focus on client service and business development while maintaining compliance and supporting the firms financial performance.

• Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison for assigned partners practice areas their clients and internal client administration and accounting teams building strong trust-based relationships and ensuring clear consistent communication.
• Condenses complex information into clear actionable summaries and reports to support partner decision-making and to facilitate progress with the client accounting teams.
• Prepares and delivers regular updates and analysis on client onboarding billing collections and financial performance.
• Provides guidance and support to partners and team members regarding client accounting processes policies and best practices.
• Proactively follows up with clients partners and internal teams to move matters forward address outstanding issues and ensure timely completion of all client accounting processes.
• Collaborates with clients and accounting teams to resolve invoice issues including analyzing and reallocating charges to meet client requirements and budgets ensuring prompt payment.
• Facilitates information needed for the e-billing team to submit bills electronically track invoice status and address rejections or deductions with billing and collections staff.
• Works alongside the Rates team to ensure successful timekeeper and rate submissions monitors approvals and resolves discrepancies.
• Facilitates billing for assigned partners and clients preparing reviewing and editing invoices for accuracy and compliance.
• Identifies and addresses rejected or adjusted invoices processes write-offs and maintains current records for each client and matter.
• Coordinates and monitors requests for new engagement letters working with partners clients and the Office of General Counsel to ensure timely and accurate completion.
• Liaises with Partners and relevant teams on the end-to-end process of new client and matter intake coordinating with Client Accounting Office of General Counsel Conflicts Engagement Letters/Outside Counsel Guidelines Know Your Client (KYC) and other relevant departments.
• Coordinates information needed to ensure all onboarding activities comply with firm and client requirements proactively addressing issues and facilitating timely matter openings.
• Acts as the central point of contact for all billing rate and pricing matters including the development implementation and maintenance of standard and non-standard billing arrangements (e.g. alternative fee arrangements special billing arrangements).
• Collaborates with partners clients and the Client Accounting team to deliver tailored pricing strategies and ensure rates are in accordance with client agreements and Outside Counsel Guidelines.
• Proactively reviews accounts receivable by tracking aged invoices and collaborating with partners clients and internal teams to accelerate collections and resolve outstanding issues.
• Monitors client collections year-round tracking collection commitments coordinating with partners and internal teams to implement targeted strategies and driving efforts to ensure timely payments in line with firm financial objectives.
• Tracks and facilitates client outside counsel guidelines reviews ensuring that all requirements are identified communicated and adhered to by relevant teams.
• Coordinates responses to client audit requests gathering necessary documentation and facilitating communication between clients partners and internal teams.
• Actively seeks to enhance knowledge of all client accounting procedures and shares expertise to elevate the teams performance.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase scalability efficiency and client service delivery.
• Develops and maintains best practices for client operations shares expertise across the department and participates in strategic projects as directed by department leadership.
• Ensures compliance with firm operations policies and procedures.
• Handles sensitive matters with discretion and always maintains strict confidentiality.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with partners and clients.
• Strong analytical organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills with the ability to synthesize and present complex information clearly.
• Deep understanding of law firm client administration including intake billing e-billing conflicts KYC rates pricing and collections.
• Proficiency in relevant firm software (e.g. Outlook Excel Aderant Expert iManage) and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Ability to handle multiple projects shifting priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Solutions-oriented critical thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• High attention to detail discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.
• Knowledge of and ability to administer Firm operations policies and procedures.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of law firm or professional services experience in client administration billing or related functions.

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firms success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical dental vision) savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options including parental.
• In-classroom remote and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details please visit: starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors consistent with applicable law. This position may be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including but not limited to race color religion creed sex national origin ancestry age alienage or citizenship status marital or familial status domestic partnership status caregiver status sexual orientation gender gender identity or expression change of sex or transgender status genetic information medical condition pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions sexual and reproductive health decisions disability any protected military or veteran status or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence sexual assault or offense or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at .

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.