The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a self-motivated and detail-oriented Client Account Coordinator in our Chicago, IL or Milwaukee, Madison, or Waukesha, WI office. The Client Account Specialist will serve as the collections point of contact for the Intellectual Property Practice Group within the Firm.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Responsible for managing the collection process for all clients within the IP practice groups. This includes:
  • Regular review of outstanding A/R
  • Consistent proactive follow up with responsible partners or assistants and practice group manager
  • Understanding/documenting partner preferences and methods
  • Consistently updating firm databases
  • Monitoring E-billing systems and reporting as needed
• Perform weekly, monthly, or as needed reconciliations in excel for larger high impact clients to compare the invoices in the accounting system and those loaded to the client E-billing portal
• Connect with Practice Group Manager monthly to discuss the status of outstanding A/R
• Connect with IP attorneys at least quarterly or as needed to discuss the outstanding balances for their respective clients
• Utilize BillBlast E-billing software to track E-billing status and troubleshoot or communicate rejections and work to resolution
• Work directly with clients to confirm they have all necessary information to provide payment on open invoices
• Proactively perform tasks that might facilitate collection (e.g., resending statements, assisting billing attorney, etc.)
• Document the status of every client with aged A/R balances and provide real-time updates
• Evaluate the likelihood of collection and make recommendations for write-offs and/or referrals to a collection agency
• Work cross-functionally with all areas of Finance & Accounting to investigate errors and resolve attorney and client inquiries
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to manage numerous priorities and deadlines and work autonomously
• Additional duties and special projects as needed

Job Requirements:

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• At least two-year degree preferred or equivalent professional services experience

Accounting Skills:

• Experience with Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Applications
• Strong organizational skills
• Extreme attention to detail and accuracy
• Superior project management skills to manage deadline-oriented role
• Experience with 3E - Enterprise Business Management or Aderant software (preferred, not required)
• Working knowledge of electronic time and billing software and programs, (preferred, note required)

Adaptability:

• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change

Collaboration:

• Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm, including but not limited to attorneys, legal assistants, practice management, and other financial departments.
• Communicate ideas for process efficiencies

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Agility to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

• Demonstrate “client first” mentality
• Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position will be based in our Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, or Waukesha office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.