Managing Director (Practice Group Director) - San Francisco or Palo Alto

Managing Director – Practice Group Director (Palo Alto or San Francisco)
Our client is seeking a Managing Director to partner with firm leadership in scaling a high-growth practice group in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto or San Francisco). This role is designed for a practice leader who has not only executed at a high level, but also helped shape, design, and implement strategic initiatives within complex Big Law environments.

The Managing Director will serve as a key strategic and operational leader, working closely with partners to strengthen client relationships, drive financial performance, and implement best-in-class practice management infrastructure.

Strategic Leadership & Practice Development

Partner with firm leadership to shape and execute the strategic direction of the practice group, ensuring alignment with broader firm objectives

Bring a proven track record of contributing to strategy development, including involvement in ideation, structuring, and execution of practice-level initiatives (e.g., growth plans, client expansion strategies, operational transformation)

Translate high-level strategy into actionable operating plans, driving accountability across partners and business functions

Identify market trends, competitive dynamics, and growth opportunities to inform forward-looking business decisions

Track and report progress against strategic initiatives, adjusting approaches as needed to optimize outcomes

Matter & Financial Management

Oversee pitches, proposals, matter opening, budgeting, and adherence to client guidelines

Monitor financial performance, including WIP, billing, collections, and profitability metrics

Partner with billing teams to ensure timely, accurate invoicing aligned with client requirements

Collaborate with collections teams to track payments and resolve issues efficiently

Analyze and present key financial KPIs, identifying both risks and opportunities for improvement

Operational Leadership

Serve as a primary liaison between partners and internal teams, including finance, billing, marketing, and administrative support

Lead a cross-functional team to deliver exceptional client service and operational execution

Implement best practices related to matter management, workflow efficiency, and resource allocation

Coordinate with international stakeholders where applicable

Dedicated Administrative Support

This role is fully supported by dedicated administrative resources, ensuring the Managing Director can operate at a strategic and leadership level while delegating core administrative and coordination tasks effectively.

Client Service & Relationship Management

Strengthen and maintain key client relationships through consistent service delivery and operational excellence

Ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines and reporting requirements

Support client-facing administrative functions such as reporting, budgeting, and performance tracking

Partner with pricing and legal project management teams to develop alternative fee arrangements and matter plans

Process Improvement & Technology

Identify and implement opportunities to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency

Leverage technology platforms for tracking, reporting, and collaboration

Train and mentor team members on systems, tools, and best practices

Qualifications
Required Experience

10+ years of experience, preferably in legal or law firm practice management within a Big Law environment

Demonstrated experience contributing to and executing strategic initiatives at the practice or firm level, not solely operational execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Legal Studies, or a related field required

JD or MBA is a plus

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex strategic and operational concepts to senior stakeholders

Strong leadership capabilities, including problem-solving, planning, negotiation, and decision-making

Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically across diverse teams

High level of discretion, professionalism, and client service orientation

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Willingness to travel as needed

Location
This role is based in Northern California with a hybrid schedule, with flexibility to work from either a Silicon Valley (Palo Alto) or San Francisco office.

Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated salary range for this role is approximately $300,000 to $313,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is also offered, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

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