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Contract Managing Director

Palo Alto, CA

Employment Type: Temporary Position Function: Operations Job Number: 16785490

Job Description

About Our Client

Our client is a global law firm committed to excellence in representing clients and developing its people. The firm fosters a culture where employees are expected to embrace and uphold core values while delivering exceptional service both internally and externally. This role specifically supports the Emerging Growth practice within the Silicon Valley region.

The Opportunity

This is a contract opportunity for a Managing Director to provide both internally and externally facing support to improve key client relationships in collaboration with the firm s strategic initiatives. In this high-impact role, you will act as a strategic advisor and primary liaison between partners and internal business teams such as finance, marketing, and legal project management to ensure operational excellence.

The Location

This position is based in the Palo Alto or San Francisco offices. The firm offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for a balance of remote and in-office work as determined by leadership.

What You Will Do

  • Matter & Financial Management: Oversee pitch and proposal activity, matter opening, budgeting, and compliance with client guidelines. You will monitor WIP (work-in-progress), billing, collections, and profitability metrics for the partner s portfolio.
  • Operational Leadership: Serve as the primary liaison between the partner and internal business teams. Lead and coordinate a multi-disciplinary team to deliver exceptional service and implement best practices for workflow optimization.
  • Client Relationship Support: Interact directly with clients to ensure consistent team performance and discuss any billing or collections issues. Provide administrative support such as status reports, budgets, and performance metrics.
  • Strategic Planning: Participate in the strategic planning process, ensuring plans outline specific actions to reach performance goals and adjusting them based on market dynamics and economic trends.
  • Process Improvement: Identify and leverage technology platforms to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and mentor team members on these tools.

Who You Are

  • Experienced Professional: You possess 10+ years of legal or law firm experience specifically within practice management.
  • Educated Leader: You hold a Bachelor s degree in Legal Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or a similar field. A Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred.
  • Skilled Communicator: You have superior communication and presentation skills with the demonstrated ability to present complex information to senior leadership.
  • Principled Advisor: You can maintain strict confidentiality while interacting with tact, discretion, and resourcefulness.
  • Proactive Problem Solver: You exhibit leadership in planning, negotiating, and decision-making for effective management.

Flexibility & Work-Life Integration

Our client supports a modern work environment through its hybrid work arrangement. While the role involves sedentary work and extended periods at a computer, the firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to permit individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Why Join the Team?

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Employees have access to a robust package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan.
  • Global Impact: Join a leading global firm that values innovation, creativity, and a proactive approach to professional legal services.

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About Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search

Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search is a leading provider of Contingent Workforce Solutions, Executive Search, Leadership and Individual Contributor hiring, empowering businesses to achieve their strategic objectives through expert talent acquisition. Our specialties include sales, marketing, finance/accounting and operations hiring. With a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of market trends, Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search helps organizations build high-performing teams and navigate complex workforce challenges. Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search specializes in U.S. Hiring for Global Businesses.

Meet Your Recruiter

Amber Wishart
Director of Talent Acquisition

With over 12 years of dedicated experience in executive search and talent acquisition, Amber Wishart brings a wealth of expertise across diverse industries including Capital Equipment, Industrial, Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, Information Technology, and Marketing. At Naviga Recruiting & Executive Search, Amber leads a team of Senior Recruiters while managing a portfolio of core clients, specializing in placing Vice President to C-suite executives across Finance, Accounting, Sales, Operations, and Marketing functions throughout North America.

Before joining Naviga, Amber honed her leadership and operational skills in a family-owned construction business, gaining invaluable insight into how strategic vision and hands-on leadership drive organizational success. This unique perspective shapes her approach to executive search, where she combines a proprietary talent pool and a comprehensive 5-step vetting process to deliver candidates who not only meet skill requirements but also align culturally and strategically with her clients’ long-term goals.

One of Amber’s standout accomplishments includes leading a confidential search for a Chief Marketing Officer at a global fintech company. This complex assignment required a strategic, discreet approach to attract top-tier passive candidates and successfully establish the company’s U.S. leadership presence.

Amber is passionate about maintaining a candidate-centric hiring experience in today’s competitive market, advising clients on the importance of presenting compelling, authentic opportunities to attract top talent. She embraces continuous learning by engaging deeply with candidates and clients alike, enabling her to provide strategic guidance that goes beyond traditional recruitment.

Known internally as the “Non-Ghosting Recruiter,” Amber prides herself on transparent, respectful communication and building strong, lasting relationships with both clients and candidates. Outside of work, she is actively involved in her local church and animal rescue efforts, and serves as Vice President of Membership for her local Toastmasters club, where she enjoys helping others grow their communication skills.

Amber also dedicates time to supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces transitioning to civilian careers, offering personalized guidance that leverages their leadership strengths in new professional opportunities.

Driven by authenticity, hard work, and a passion for meaningful connections, Amber embodies Naviga’s culture of high performance paired with genuine care, making her a trusted advisor and valued leader within the firm.

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About Palo Alto, CA

Ready to take your career to new heights? Explore our job opportunities around Palo Alto, California, and discover the endless possibilities this thriving hub of innovation and culture has to offer. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is not only home to tech giants like Google and Facebook but also boasts a vibrant arts scene with renowned galleries like the Anderson Collection at Stanford University. Indulge your taste buds with the diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table restaurants to trendy cafes. With easy access to the stunning landscapes of nearby parks like Foothills Park and the excitement of cheering on the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto is the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally. Join us in this dynamic community and unlock your potential!