Practice Analyst

Posted on July 13, 2023

Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a Practice Analyst to support the various Practice Groups' day-to-day business operations. Working closely with Practice Directors and Practice Group Leaders, this role is critical in executing and delivering against the Practices' - and the Firm's - strategic plan while driving revenue and increasing profitability. This is a fast-paced, hands-on role with diverse responsibilities that include strategic planning, budgeting and analysis, and requires a strong understanding of law firm economics, metrics, information management, and excellent communication skills. The Practice Analyst will serve as an integral part of the Practices' leadership team and will report to a Practice Director.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Support Practice Group Leaders and Practice Directors in the development and implementation of the practices' strategic plans.
• Collaborate with Practice Group Leaders and Practice Directors on Firm-wide and cross-practice initiatives.
• Assist in developing strategic plans and ensure that the strategic planning process stays on track.
• Undertake special projects in support of the Firm's strategic initiatives.
• Regularly communicate with lawyers and business services staff across the practices and offices. Through regular communication, proactively identify issues and facilitate resolution.

Business Operations

• Monitor timekeeper utilization across the practices and assist Practice Director to address issues.
• Help Practice Director identify available resources to staff a matter.
• Monitor weekly reports and ensure compliance with Firm policies on time entry - elevating significant issues.
• Identify operational efficiencies through process improvement and utilization of technology.
• Attend practice meetings, preparing summaries of action items and tracking follow-up at the direction of Practice Directors
• Provide assistance as required on Business Development initiatives, pitches, RFPs, and pricing proposals.

Financial Analysis, Budgeting and Tracking

• In conjunction with our finance department, analyze firm, practice group and client matter financial positions. Compare financial and operational performance against internal and external benchmarks. Identify trends in financial performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Extract, synthesize and provide analysis on financials from various systems.
• Regularly meet with Practice Director, financial personnel and others to review and discuss results and maintain positive financial control.
• Research, analyze and document ad-hoc moderate to complex financial projects as assigned. Communicate findings with Practice Director, partners and leadership.
• Support ongoing reporting and monitoring of practice group and firm data and metrics related to production, utilization, aging receivables, client/practice revenue and profitability.
• Coordinate with other members of Practice Management, Pricing and Finance to review financial information and forecasts.
• Provide financial models and forecasting to help drive process and policy improvements.
• Develop new reports to meet evolving strategic initiatives.
• Assist in reviewing best-practice models to provide financial and strategic analysis for various initiatives including fixed fee proposals and alternative pricing arrangements.
• Responsible for communicating financial and operational statistics and analysis directly to key decision makers.

Talent Management and Professional Development

• Work with Practice Directors, Practice Group Leaders and the Talent team to help recruit, retain, and develop legal talent.
• Provide analysis and support on the attorney evaluation and promotion process
• Provide support to Practice Director in the review of annual compensation of attorneys and non-attorney timekeepers.

Experience & Qualifications

• Undergraduate or master’s degree
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services firm
• Outstanding record of academic achievement
• Demonstrated aptitude for analytics
• Proven record of leadership in a work setting and/or through extracurricular activities
• Exceptional analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work effectively with people at all levels in an organization
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively – both verbally and in writing Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at various levels.
• Self-starter who desires to show ownership and commitment to perform responsibilities with high professional and ethical standards.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, assess priorities, and achieve solutions under tight deadlines. Reliable, dependable and strong motivation to respond to requests quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to apply innovation in identifying problems, and in proposing and implementing solutions.
  

Dentons offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. We are an Affirmative Action Employer. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.