Mayer Brown LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in 27 key business centers across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We are a collegial, collaborative and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support and development they need to grow, thrive and realize their greatest potential.
If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are achievement, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Human Resources department in Chicago or New York as a Corporate Resource Manager.
As part of the Human Resources Business Partner Advisor team, the Resource Manager, in collaboration with Practice Group, Product / Industry Group leadership, will be responsible for creating and implementing an effective resource utilization and work allocation strategy and serve as the lead person in the Corporate Practice U.S. wide for managing the allocation of work from senior lawyers to associates and staff attorneys. The role will focus on optimizing the allocation of work and the deployment of associates and staff attorneys taking into consideration project needs, product areas, utilization levels, seniority and career interests and experience.
Essential Functions:
Identifies all current and upcoming work assignments including the anticipated duration of the project, budget constraints, legal and professional skills needed and expected, description of the work and existing team members
Serves as expert as to the full range of corporate work and the components of corporate matters, key industries, geographies and product groups, practice strategy and priorities, etc. and ensure alignment with the resource allocation operation. Develops full understanding of team structures, product groups, matter types, individuals and capabilities
Develops strong understanding of the individual associates and staff attorneys as to their skill levels, needs for experience and skill development, and interests and goals for developing a particular expertise
Develops strong relationships with partners and counsel who will utilize the staffing system for their matters and maintains an active connection, soliciting regular feedback on the staffing process. Acts as an expert and trusted advisor for all resourcing requests
Serves as the champion of the merits of the work assignment system to all members of the practice; primary consultant and advocate of resource management to supervising lawyers who need staffing and to associates and staff attorneys being assigned work, aiming to ensure processes are fully up to date and embedded in the practice
Ensures a high degree of responsiveness to staffing requests, thorough communications and a service oriented operation for staffing
Assigns associates and staff attorneys to matters and incorporate into staffing decisions
Optimization of the allocation of work and the deployment of staff based on projected workflows, product group needs, utilization levels, skills, seniority and career interests and goals.
Balancing of the workload across the associate and staff attorney groups by monitoring utilization,
Identifying areas of opportunity to develop associate skills and expertise at the next level,
Effective integration of all lawyers – especially women and diverse attorneys;
Effective integration of newly hired lawyers, return from leave lawyers;
Effective transition of work for departing lawyers who are leaving the firm, going on leave or a secondment
Achieving matter staffing efficiencies such that the right level lawyer is doing the right type of work so that efficient matter pricing is achieved
Advance planning for necessary staffing support for lateral partner hires
Ensure staffing models are aligned with business objectives
Proactively drive resourcing decisions
Monitors current and anticipated activity levels, capacity and matter staffing, help smooth utilization levels where possible. Provides regular reports for key stakeholders on progress and status
Ensures effective coordination and communication on the program across offices and the members of the practice; keeps all stakeholders informed on utilization trends, initiatives, developments, business issues, etc.; provides support and coordination with peer Resource Managers in other practices
Reports to practice leaders, product / industry group leaders and any designated practice liaison on status of the work allocation initiative and solicits input and guidance on challenges that arise
Trains practice area users on the Vantage software through which associates report their forecasted work availability; monitors data regularly in Vantage; maintains system and ensure it is current and accurate
Where training or recruitment needs or other associate development related information surfaces, works with HR Director on the necessary follow up with other functional experts
Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives
Education/Training/Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required, J.D. is a plus
Professional Experience:
Five + years of Corporate practice experience strongly preferred
Work assignment / resource management experience in a law firm or professional services firm a strong plus
Legal training experience a plus
Knowledge of product areas such as M & A, Capital Markets, Funds, Tech Transactions a plus
Knowledge of legal project management a plus
Technical Skills:
Microsoft Office proficiency required
Work assignment software experience a plus
Knowledge of legal project management a plus
Database and data management experience a plus
Performance Traits:
Effective communication and listening skills
Ability to manage competing priorities effectively
Strong interpersonal skills
Creative problem solving skills
Management Accountabilities:
Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
Operational budget analysis and recommendations
Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner
Physical Requirements:
May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits , including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Mayer Brown LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in 26 key business centers across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We are a collegial, collaborative and diverse firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support and development they need to grow, thrive and realize their greatest potential. If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are achievement, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran
