Client Operations Project Manager

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation and regulatory matters, and for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other.

Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across more than 50 practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

Position: Client Operations Project Manager

Location: DC office (hybrid)

The Client Operations Project Manager serves as a strategic partner and the primary point of contact for assigned partners, practice areas, their clients, and the firm’s client administration and accounting teams. This role is highly partner and client-facing and is responsible for actively engaging with partners, clients, and internal teams to facilitate day‑to‑day administrative operations and resolve complex issues related to client accounting procedures.

The manager drives the client/matter lifecycle forward, facilitating processes such as new business intake, billing rates and special arrangements, RFPs, pricing, billing, e‑billing and collections. The manager tracks and coordinates negotiation of client outside counsel guidelines, requests for new engagement letters and client audit requests, and serves as the single point of contact to move matters forward, address outstanding issues and ensure timely completion of all client accounting processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prepares and delivers regular updates and analysis on client onboarding, billing, collections and financial performance.
• Provides guidance and support to partners and team members regarding client accounting processes, policies and best practices.
• Collaborates with clients and accounting teams to resolve invoice issues, including analyzing and reallocating charges to meet client requirements and budgets.
• Facilitates information for the e‑billing team to submit bills electronically, track invoice status and address rejections or deductions with billing and collections staff.
• Works with the Rates team to ensure successful timekeeper and rate submissions, monitors approvals and resolves discrepancies.
• Tracks matter accruals against approved client budgets and alternative fee arrangements to identify variances and profitability trends and escalates potential issues early.
• Coordinates and monitors requests for new engagement letters, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Maintains client outside counsel guidelines reviews and coordinates responses to client audit requests.
• Identifies and implements process improvements to increase scalability, efficiency and client service delivery.
• Ensures compliance with firm operations, policies and procedures and handles sensitive matters with discretion.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain trust‑based relationships with partners and clients; strong analytical, organizational and project‑management skills; excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills; deep understanding of law‑firm client administration; proficiency in Outlook, Excel, Aderant Expert and iManage; ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities; solutions‑oriented critical thinker; strong attention to detail, discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive matters;

ability to work independently and within a team; flexibility to adjust hours for operating needs.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or…