Summary

The purpose of this position is to strategically manage the operational support of the Global Life Sciences (GLS) team, allowing practice group leaders to focus on leading the practice group and on practicing law. This position (i) supports the Global Life Sciences Leadership Council leader and Global Practice Group (GPG) leader for Healthcare and FDA in the development and implementation of strategic initiatives across the U.S., UK and Europe, and Asia Pac; (ii) develops content and identifies speakers for internal meetings, (iii) liaises with clients as may be requested by leadership, (iv) liaises with professional Marketing and Event Planning staff to ensure consistency of GLS Signature Events; (v) liaises with administrative support for support GLS or GPG internal meetings; (vi) assists with analysis of strategic opportunities identified in practice analytics developed by Analytics team, (vii) communicates with leadership and lawyers regarding budget and advance approvals, and (vii) coordinates directly with lawyers for publication content.

A successful incumbent will enjoy analysis and execution on strategy, have strong planning, organizational, and communication skills, and will be able to quickly learn to utilize the Firm’s technology and calendaring system to efficiently communicate with lawyers to oversee daily operations of GLS and the GPG.

Duties and Responsibilities

Practice Group Support:

• Organizes annual calendar of internal Global Life Sciences (GLS) industry group internal meetings and external events GLS, as well as Healthcare/FDMD global practice group internal meetings and external events, including proposing meeting agendas, identifying speakers and coordinating with speakers, scheduling and arranging for logistical support (conference room bookings, A/V needs, etc.). Candidate would understand GLS industry and make proactive and strategic suggestions on content and have substantial experience in organizing meeting logistics and communicating efficiently with executive leaders and professional staff.
• Organizes annual calendar of external events in collaboration with GLS Marketing team to avoid overlap, optimize spacing between events, strategic placement of lawyers at key events based on event calendar, ensuring budget is secured for events, working with lawyers to identify external speakers.
• Frequent check-ins with identified leadership to assess acceleration opportunities for events and programming, as well as identify new strategic considerations with laterals, key market trends
• Liaise with Marketing personnel in M&A/Corporate and Litigation to assess market opportunities
• Monitor key initiatives and actively identify opportunities for further market penetration
• Coordinate with Knowledge Management professionals with respect to key initiatives and share curated trade press with initiative leaders

Marketing and Client Relations:

• Collaborate with Marketing team on internal execution of business development initiatives, including client seminars and entertainment
• Establish a system to assist lawyers in tracking and tagging matters for rankings and ratings on a proactive basis
• Perform other work-related duties and special projects, as required, and assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Corporate or Law firm experience in chief of staff or similar role
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and build credibility with lawyers
• Possesses superior organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet coinciding deadlines for multiple priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, ability to work independently and be proactive
• Strong computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Preferred:

• Juris Doctor

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer