WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.
About the Role
Are you an operationally minded people leader who enjoys connecting talented attorneys with meaningful work and helping a sophisticated practice run smoothly? As Practice Manager for the Intellectual Property Department and IP Litigation Practice Group, you''ll oversee day-to-day operations across assigned offices, with a particular focus on matching attorneys to the right assignments, advancing their development, and strengthening the relationships that hold a busy practice together. Additionally, you will be responsible for directly managing IP Paralegals and Technology Specialists.
Working in close partnership with Department and Practice Group leadership, Legal Personnel, and the broader Practice Management team, you''ll serve as a central point of coordination across the firm''s legal and administrative functions. The role requires sound judgment, discretion, and a steady hand in supporting attorneys, paralegals, and technology specialists alike.
What You Will Be Doing
Work Allocation & Attorney Development: Manage billable and pro bono staffing for IP Department and IP Litigation attorneys across assigned offices, partnering with Practice Management to balance cross-office demand. Match assignments to each attorney''s experience level and growth goals, spanning counsel, senior associates, and associates. Reassign matters during attorney absences and assist with administration of extended leave policies to keep client work moving without disruption.
Training & Professional Development: Collaborate with the Development and Training team and practice leaders to support onboarding and orientation for junior associates and lateral hires as well as design and deliver formal programs for counsel, senior associates, and associates.
Department Strategy & Reporting: Help execute Department and Practice Group strategic plans, prepare monthly productivity reporting for Department Leaders, Practice Group Leaders, and the Chief Practice Management Officer, and lead special projects assigned by the IP Department Director.
Operational & Administrative Support: Provide hands-on support to IP Department and IP Litigation leadership in assigned offices, including meeting planning, retreat logistics, follow-through on firmwide initiatives, and other duties as needed.
Business Development & Marketing: Contribute to pitches, RFPs, CLE programming, lateral partner integration, and department events, and help coordinate activities involving department members.
Technology Specialist Program: Oversee the Technology Specialist Program, assigning work that supports professional growth, reassigning projects during leaves, and holding regular check-ins to review workload and resolve administrative issues.
Paralegal Management: Lead assigned IP Paralegal group(s) and, in partnership with the IP Department Director and Human Resources, own performance management for the team. This includes completing performance reviews on schedule, addressing performance concerns and policy issues (including time entry and in-office work policies), and conducting regular check-ins. Promote cross-office collaboration and staffing flexibility, and ensure team goals are met efficiently.
| Location | Boston, MA |