Career Center

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Deputy Practice Group Manager in our Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, or Chicago office. Under the direction and leadership of the Practice Group Manager, the Deputy Practice Group Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient utilization of firm talent and resources, providing analytical support for key processes, and providing project management support to ensure the successful deployment of new processes and strategic projects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide financial analysis to support Practice Group budgeting and staffing decisions
• Create analytical tools to help track Practice Group financial metrics and objectives
• Compile data to support responses to client RFPs
• Coordinate the compilation of information for annual timekeeper performance reviews
• Provide ROI analysis to support the recruiting processes for new timekeepers and staff
• Support the prioritization and allocation of Practice Group business development budgets
• Coordinate with both Partners and Finance & Accounting to identify and resolve billing and collection issues
• Assist with process improvements projects related to Firm or practice group structure, back-office process, and technology
• Evaluate financial performance data and recommend proactive changes to Practice Group priorities in order to successfully deliver revenue and profit targets

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management
• 3+ years' experience in finance and/or professional services operations
• Understanding of the financial performance metrics and levers critical to the successful operation of a client centered professional services environment, preferably a partnership and/or law firm
• Proficient with a variety of accounting, business planning, client management, project management, reporting and tracking systems and related software/SAAS packages

Adaptability:

• Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

Communication:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion 

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
• Ability to respond to unexpected challenges, including proactively developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor

Professionalism:

Other: 

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP.  We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world. 

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals.  Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); and North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position is located in our Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, or Chicago office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, all programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.  

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal. 

We are not accepting search firm submissions at this time.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.