KM Practice Manager - Sidley Austin LLP

Summary

The Knowledge Management (“KM”) Practice Manager will play a critical role in the development and further expansion of the KM Lawyers’ efforts within their practice groups. The KM Practice Manager will be responsible for the management of projects related to the development, administration and management of the Firm’s KM program within the Global Practice Groups (“GPG”). The KM Practice Manager works directly with the KM Director on firmwide KM projects and with the KM Lawyers to support their practice group’s projects. S/he will contribute to the development of practice management methodologies and best practices across the team. This role will work closely with IT, Learning and Development, Marketing and other business functions, as needed to support the practice operations, business strategies, resource management, and plans of the KM Lawyers.

The KM Practice Manager will, together with the KM Director, develop best practices, policies and procedures and be responsible for the day-to-day administration, management and continuous improvement of the KM Lawyers’ practice group plans.

The role spans many activities from strategic to tactical and provides important cross-functional leadership between KM, IT, Learning and Development, Library and Research Services, Marketing, and the legal practices they support to plan, manage and complete assigned projects, ensuring the relevant business goals and priorities are clearly documented and communicated.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the direction of KM leadership and the KM Lawyers, contribute to the development of strategic business goals and the overall roadmap for the department
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to document, enhance or expand upon operational efficiencies and track progress
• Work closely with the KM Directors, KM Lawyers, KM Operational Manager and Enablement team to increase efficiencies and reduce workload on KM Lawyers participating in product pilots, proofs of concept, and roll-outs of significant technology
• Oversee the preparation of materials for the KM Lawyer meetings and other presentations to firm leaders and key decision makers
• Promote a knowledge sharing culture, ensuring that firm attorneys and staff are aware of KM resources available to support their work
• Develop project requirements and governance documentation including requirements analyses, project plans, status reports and change management plans
• Perform other duties necessary and essential to support the firm's knowledge management goals

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university
• A minimum of five years of relevant project management and/or practice management experience, preferably in a law firm or legal department
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategy and priorities into tangible action items and execute effectively
• Experience managing project teams from inception through planning, execution and completion
• Proven ability to take initiative, create a positive team environment, work as a team leader and member, and build collaborative relationships

Preferred:

• Familiarity with law firm structure and business practices, as well as practice-specific terminology
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint for use in analyzing and presenting information
• Familiarity with major technology tools commonly used by large law firms such as NetDocuments, Lexis products, and SharePoint
• Experience in internal or client facing consulting

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer