About Our Client
Our client is a globally recognized law firm with a significant presence in the world s leading innovation and investment markets. The firm advises high-growth companies, venture capital investors, private equity sponsors, and public companies across every stage of the business lifecycle, from formation and financing through strategic transactions and public market events.
The Opportunity
Northern California has become a strategic growth engine for the firm, fueled by significant investments in leadership, talent, and client development across the technology, venture capital, life sciences, and innovation ecosystems. Recent additions of nationally recognized partners and industry leaders have accelerated the expansion of the firm s Emerging Growth & Venture Capital platform, creating substantial momentum throughout the region.
As the practice continues to scale, the firm is investing in leadership infrastructure to support its next phase of growth. This Managing Director opportunity offers the chance to help shape and influence a rapidly expanding business within one of the world s leading law firms, partnering closely with senior leadership while helping drive strategy, operational excellence, and long-term growth initiatives.
The Location
- Hybrid role
- Preferred location: Northern California (Palo Alto or San Francisco area)
- Open to candidates elsewhere in California who are willing to travel as needed
- Travel expectations will vary based on business needs as the practice continues to grow
What You Will Do
- Matter & Financial Management: Oversee pitch and proposal activity, matter opening, budgeting, compliance with client guidelines, and track key financial KPIs (WIP, billing, collections, and profitability metrics).
- Operational Leadership: Act as the primary business liaison between practice leadership and internal corporate teams (finance, billing, marketing), leading a multi-disciplinary team to optimize workflows and resource allocation.
- Client Service & Relationship Support: Partner with pricing and legal project management teams to develop alternative fee arrangements, handle client-facing status reports, and directly address administrative and billing needs.
- Process & Technology Innovation: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance team efficiency, leverage advanced firm technology platforms for tracking, and mentor team members on best practices.
- Strategic Execution: Actively participate in the strategic planning process, monitor plan execution, report progress to Firm Leadership, and dynamically adjust strategies to align with evolving market trends.
90-Day Success Roadmap
- First 30 Days: Immerse yourself in the group's current portfolio; build deep internal relationships with the Regional Chair, practice leadership, and core business teams (finance, billing, marketing) to understand current workflow bottlenecks.
- First 60 Days: Establish a strong operational cadence by taking ownership of the financial KPI tracking, matter budgeting, and WIP/billing processes for the partner's portfolio.
- First 90 Days: Begin implementing process improvements and infrastructural enhancements to scale the practice, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor capable of aligning operational workflows with the firm's broader strategic growth goals.
Who You Are
- Experienced Practice Leader: You possess 10+ years of legal or law firm experience specifically within practice management or professional services business operations.
- Educationally Grounded: You hold a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA or JD is preferred but not required).
- Strategic Advisor & Influencer: You have superior communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to deliver complex financial and operational information clearly to senior leadership.
- Entrepreneurial Builder: You are innovative, proactive, and deeply comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment where you build infrastructure rather than simply maintaining it.
- A Master of Execution: You display elite problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills, with a dedication to delivering exceptional client service while strictly maintaining confidentiality.
The Ideal Candidate thrives at the intersection of business strategy and legal operations. Whether coming from a law firm practice management background or an adjacent complex environment (such as management consulting, advisory, or global professional services), you are defined by your ability to drive growth, financial performance, and operational excellence within a highly collaborative, fast-paced corporate culture.
Flexibility & Work-Life Integration
- Hybrid Schedule: This position balances the autonomy of remote work with purposeful in-office collaboration out of the Palo Alto or San Francisco hubs.
- Travel Flexibility: Candidates located elsewhere in California who are willing to travel to the Bay Area as business needs dictate will also be considered.
- Comprehensive Well-being: The firm actively fosters a supportive culture, providing robust resources to help professionals balance demanding operational roles with personal well-being.
Why Join the Team?
This is an unparalleled opportunity to attach your career to an elite, high-growth practice group that behaves like an agile startup while enjoying the safety, prestige, and compensation of a global legal powerhouse. With an expected hiring range of $232,500.00 - $313,892.50 per year (dependent on geographic location, experience, and qualifications), the firm also provides a comprehensive premier benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and a transparent platform for long-term executive growth.
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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.
