Client Billing Specialist

Job DescriptionAt K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.We are seeking a Client Billing Specialist for the Chicago office. The Client Billing Specialist is responsible for the billing process including, but not limited to audit, review, edit, prepare and submission of invoices accurately and timely and in accordance with the firm and client guidelines for each assigned office.KEY RELATIONSHIPSInternally responsible for communicating with timekeepers, other local billing groups, Firmwide Accounting/Finance, Directors of Administration, practice assistants, paralegals, lawyers and administrative support staff. Externally they are responsible for working with e-billing vendors, AP vendors, client contacts and responding to client driven inquiries.ESSENTIAL DUTIES• Ensure matters are set up correctly in the Accounting system by verifying rates, AFAs, billing notes and instructions• Review and Audit time and disbursements for proper format, rates and adherence to guidelines• Update and proofread time and disbursements with revisions, spelling check, global changes• Maintain detailed charts on invoices, rates, holdbacks, budgets• Coordinate with other billing departments on joint billings• Reconcile final invoice to accounting system and verify supporting documents before submitting to client• Ensure all timekeepers and rates are up-to-date on e-billing sites; submit timekeepers and rates for approval as needed.• Submit electronic invoices to clients via their designated electronic billing system; deal with e-billing rejections, short pays, errors - research and promptly resolve, including working with the lawyer, practice assistant and clients to resolve• Oversee timekeeper approval process including matter access for time entry review, Audit and Enter vendor invoices• Follow write off approval protocol, monthly internal audits of write offs and pull invoices and approvals during internal and external audit• Monitor e-billed invoice status, follow-up on rejected and short paid invoices• Research and Respond to information requests related to time, disbursements, invoices, e-billing, timekeepers, rates, trust, funds and collections• Assist with collections effortsADDITIONAL DUTIES• Continually evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness when resolving issues.• Prepare and validate backup for vendor invoices per client• Review invoice to ensure time is being billed to the accurate client matter and recommend revisions as needed• Create final invoice and supporting documentation per client's request (hard copy, digital, and electronic)• Audit, review, and reconcile invoices per billing guidelines to ensure accuracy• Prepare ad hoc reports for internal and external clients allocating invoices per each client's specific requirements• Maintain client reports and databases based on each client's specific requirementsEXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED• Associate's Degree, or 2 years legal billing experience required• Proficiency in Excel including features such as pivot tables and filters• Must be committed to providing superior customer service to clients and attorneys while producing a high quality work product• Ability to handle a large volume of work while ensuring a high level of accuracy• Must have patience to work with invoices which may be revised or rejected repeatedly• Must have the drive to contribute to the success of the team• Must have effective communication skills and ability to interact with diverse personalities while maintaining a professional attitude.• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all firm and client related information• Must be self-directed with a strong work ethic, capable of working independently as well as working effectively in a team environment• Ability to ensure extreme attention to detail and critical thinking on all assignments• Must be motivated, organized, detail-oriented with strong analytical, time management and problem-solving skills and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and prioritize workload while working under pressure to meet deadlines• Ability to adapt to new assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced, highly demanding, deadline driven, detail-oriented work environment while utilizing excellent judgment and decision making skills is requiredCompensation: Salary between $60,000 - $90,000.The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.ABOUT THE FIRMK&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located across five continents in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world. We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world.The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.BENEFITSK&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)• Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge• Dental Insurance• Wellness Program• Vision Insurance• Pre-tax Commuting Benefits• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing• Business Travel Accident Insurance• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection• Pet Insurance• Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)• Health Advocacy Services• Paid Time Off (20 days/year through first 4 years of employment; 25 days/year after 5 years of employment)• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)• Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service• Paid Holidays (12)• Addiction Resources• Family Building Benefits• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services• Flexible Spending Accounts• Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements• Employee Assistance Program• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities• 529 Deductions• Relocation• Accident Insurance• Employee Referral Program• Critical Illness Insurance• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities• Hospital Indemnity Insurance• Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs• Bereavement Leave• All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by lawEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYThe Firm is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions will be based on merit, qualifications, competence, and business need. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by a person's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm's policy to provide an environment that is free of all unlawful harassment including, without limitation, that based on sex, race, age, disability, or national origin. The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.