What are the responsibilities and job description for the Managing Director, Practice Management position at Plona Partners?
🚨 Managing Director | Emerging Growth Practice | Silicon Valley 🚨
An elite global law firm is seeking a Managing Director to support one of its most dynamic and high-profile practice groups focused on emerging growth companies, venture-backed businesses, founders, and investors. This is a highly visible leadership role that sits at the intersection of client strategy, financial performance, operations, and business management. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to senior partners while leading critical initiatives that drive client service excellence, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.
📍 Locations: Palo Alto, CA or San Francisco, CA
🏢 Hybrid: 3 days onsite per week
💰 Compensation: $230,000 – $315,000 Plus Bonus
What You'll Own:
🔹 Financial & Matter Management
• Oversee budgeting, matter management, profitability, billing, collections, and financial performance
• Monitor WIP, realization, utilization, and portfolio health metrics
• Collaborate with finance and billing teams to ensure accurate invoicing and collections
• Analyze key business indicators and identify opportunities for growth and operational improvement
🔹 Strategic Leadership
• Partner directly with senior attorneys and firm leadership on strategic planning initiatives
• Help develop and execute practice group growth strategies
• Monitor performance against business objectives and adjust plans based on market conditions and firm priorities
• Serve as a trusted business advisor on operational and financial matters
🔹 Client & Relationship Management
• Support key client relationships and ensure exceptional service delivery
• Oversee compliance with outside counsel guidelines and client requirements
• Coordinate reporting, budgeting, pricing arrangements, and matter planning
• Collaborate with client teams to strengthen relationships and improve overall client experience
🔹 Operations & Team Leadership
• Lead cross-functional teams across finance, marketing, pricing, billing, operations, and administrative support
• Drive process improvement initiatives and operational best practices
• Optimize workflows, resource allocation, and service delivery models
• Mentor and develop team members while fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
What We're Looking For:
✔ 10 years of law firm or professional services leadership experience
✔ Strong background in practice management, operations, finance, or business management within a legal environment
✔ Experience partnering with senior attorneys, partners, and executive leadership
✔ Proven success managing financial performance, budgeting, billing, and collections
✔ Exceptional communication, executive presence, and relationship-building skills
✔ Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and operational leadership capabilities
✔ Bachelor's Degree required; JD strongly preferred
Salary : $230,000 - $315,000