Director of Practice Operations

Join to apply for the Director of Practice Operations role at Steptoe LLP

Join to apply for the Director of Practice Operations role at Steptoe LLP

The Director of Practice Operations is a strategic leader responsible for driving operational excellence and supporting the growth of the energy practice initially, and then additional practices at Steptoe LLP. This role partners with the energy Practice Group Leader (PGL), as well as other PGLs, business services teams, and firm leadership to implement a scalable and sustainable framework for practice management across the firm. The Director will help align business and operational resources to meet client development, financial, and talent goals while fostering cross-functional collaboration and innovation.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate initially with the energy practice group and business leaders to develop strategic growth plans, and over time collaborate with additional groups.
• Partner with PGL(s) to define practice priorities and business objectives, and then assess implementation of same.
• Contribute to firm-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with long-term strategy.
• Contribute to aligning business and operational resources to meet client development, financial, and talent goals while fostering cross-functional collaboration and innovation and focusing on growth of profitable revenue for practice group(s).
  

Operational Excellence

• Design and implement practice management structures to support long-term scalability.
• Lead operational process improvements and change management initiatives.
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks to track operational performance and strategic goal progress.
  

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Collaborate with Finance to obtain reporting and monitor financial metrics (e.g., utilization, billings, collections, write-downs) and work with lawyers for them to meet financial performance expectations.
• Lead practice budgeting and forecasting efforts.
• Oversee revenue goals, expense control, and client reporting.
• Collaborate with pricing teams to assess rate structures and alternative fee arrangements.
  

Talent Management

• Support attorney development and retention by partnering with People Operations (including Talent Acquisition, Professional Development, Training and Learning).
• Provide first-level vetting of candidates.
• Monitor workload and implement resource allocation protocols.
  

Client Development

• Work with Marketing and Business Development to implement growth, client, and business initiatives.
• Monitor business development budgets and ROI on client outreach.
• Support cross-practice collaboration and facilitate client targeting strategies.
  

Knowledge Management and Technology

• Drive adoption of legal tech tools and knowledge-sharing platforms.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes through innovation and automation.
  

Collaboration Across Teams

• Serve as a liaison between legal professionals and business services departments (e.g., Finance, Marketing, etc.).
• Ensure integrated support for practice operations across functions.
  

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
  

Minimum Qualification
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in law firm management, legal operations, or professional services leadership
• Demonstrated experience in operational leadership, team management, and strategic execution
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and data analysis
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and business analytics tools
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across stakeholder groups
• Exceptional communication, organizational, and project management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, JD, or related field)
• Experience with practice management or legal operations in an AmLaw firm
• Familiarity with practice management software, business intelligence platforms, and document management systems
• Exposure to legal pricing, profitability models, or alternative fee arrangements
  

Success Factors

• Strategic thinker with a solution-oriented mindset
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal savvy
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide cross-functional teams
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid, collaborative, and fast-moving environment
• Commitment to excellence, diversity, and inclusion
  

Work Environment

• Non-smoking environment
• May require availability beyond regular business hours
• Hybrid (fewer than all working days in the office) work arrangements may be available
• Occasional travel may be required
  

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $250,000. The actual base salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as other job-related factors, including but not limited to, relevant skills, education, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, geographic location.
Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for you and your eligible dependents. Benefits currently include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit-Sharing, Paid Time-Off and a robust Wellness Program.
Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Law Practice

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