Manager of Strategic and Lawyer

Thompson Hine LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm, is expanding its leadership team. We are seeking a Manager of Strategic Growth & Lawyer Compensation to join any of the following locations:
Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, or Minneapolis offices. This position has three distinct roles that are integral in the growth of the firm through laterals, combinations and the arrangements for which our lawyers are compensated. First, this role will conduct financial interviews with lateral hire candidates, determine the value proposition and risks and propose compensation arrangements. Second, this role will lead the financial due diligence and modeling of combinations or lateral groups of lawyer candidates.

And third this position will manage the annual renewal of partner compensation arrangements, including the drafting of letters and the processing of bonuses.

As a part of these tasks this position will analyze lawyer compensation profitability, research market trends, including participation in surveys. This position reports to the Director of FP&A, but works closely with other roles involved in lawyer hiring and lawyer compensation, and combinations, including the CFO, COO and members of the Executive Committee.

• Conduct interviews with lateral candidates for the purpose of modeling a compensation arrangement, identifying risks and the value proposition to the firm and the candidate.
• Monitor progress throughout the candidate’s initial year, tracking against bonus arrangements and communicating as appropriate
• Manage the renewal of the candidate’s arrangement at the conclusion of their initial year
• Calculate and process bonus payments under these agreements.
• Lateral Groups and/or Combinations
• Participate in the team of individuals managing combinations or group hires;
• Lead the financial due diligence and modeling efforts
• Prepare the financial modeling and recommendation to management; participate in the presentation to management
• Partner Compensation Arrangements
• Manage the annual process of renewals of Income Partner financial arrangements with the firm.
• Supervise and review the letter updates based on bonus and type of bonus and other arrangement components
• Determine appropriate bonus arrangements based upon guidance provided by the Executive Committee and within the profitability established by management.
• Track the status of letters throughout the process; report to management and elevate where necessary.
• Periodically monitor the profitability of lawyers and provide reporting where appropriate.
• Support the annual lawyer review process by providing input based on profitability.

• B.S. or B.A. in Business or Accounting required. CPA or MBA desired.
• 12+ years of total experience with at least 5 in a related role.
• Experienced in preparing and presenting financial modeling, including the tools used, such as Excel or other advanced modeling tools.
• Experience working with data, including databases, large spreadsheets/datasets. SQL exposure helpful but not required.
• Must have experience reading and interpreting financial statements. Experience in partnership tax desired along with understanding differences between employee and partner taxation.
• Must have experience working directly with management and in a capacity where management solicits their opinions or recommendations.
• Experience in professional services industry preferred.

• The lawyer letter aspects of this role involve a high volume of letters, distinct but differing arrangements, and unique aspects to some. This position will sometimes draft, but mostly modify as arrangements change, review, and manage the overall process. This will require strong attention to detail and organizational skills and a perseverance to complete the body of work each cycle.
• The individual will develop a knowledge of how billing impacts statistics such that he/she can identify how certain clients may influence arrangements.
• The individual will be capable of interpreting financial statements.
• This person will act as part of a team and help out whenever…