Practice Manager, Intellectual Property

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Intellectual Property (IP) Department and driving firm-wide practice management excellence? We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and collaborative Practice Manager who will leverage their business acumen to drive revenue growth and ensure sustained financial health for our Intellectual Property Department. This position partners with department leadership and all levels of practice management to advance operations, align strategic goals, and deliver exceptional support for all IP lawyers and legal teams.

This role offers potential for advancement as you demonstrate your impact and leadership. We are looking for candidates who are eager to grow with us and take on increasing responsibility within our dynamic organization.

This position is hybrid and offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the office.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm's executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As the Practice Manager for our IP Department your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinating daily business operations, with a focus on maintaining financial health, internal organization, business development, practice expansion/recruitment, fee earner supervision & training.

• Working with Department Chair to drive regular meetings of the Department's senior members, lawyers, and Practice Group Leaders by setting strategic agendas that focus and advance productivity, staffing, financial performance, business development, and collaboration across offices.

• Overseeing the Department approval process of all new matters in conjunction with the new matter intake process.

• Managing the onboarding and offboarding processes for IP lawyers.

• Monitoring financial performance by reviewing financial reports/dashboards; managing non-billable expenses; and contributing to quarterly collection committees.

• Working closely with the Manager of Litigation Support in their oversight of docketing professional teams, with a focus on accuracy and process and system improvement; and ensuring paraprofessionals receive appropriate supervision, along with continuous meaningful training and engagement.

• Organizing agendas and programming for department meetings.

• Conducting periodic visits to each Ballard office with an IP presence.

• Collaborating with the Marketing and Business Development team and providing support for business plans and departmental goals, ensuring alignment with the budget, and reviewing and approving expenses.

• Working closely with the Innovation team to advance the use of AI and integrate innovative tools.

• Implementing process improvements specific to IP practice management.

• Partnering with the Pricing and Practice Economics teams in developing strategies for client arrangements.

• Collaborating with Attorney Career Advancement (ACA) for salary adjustments and bonuses and setting appropriate training curriculum for lawyers.

• Participating in recruiting and integration programs for lateral and promoted partners and counsel and lateral and entry-level associates.

What We're Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Experience:

A Bachelor's degree and at least five years of law firm experience are required; prior experience with intellectual property is a plus. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential. You must be able and willing to travel for office visits, events, or professional programs as needed.

The salary range for this position is from $140,000 - $160,000, which reflects the Firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, and location.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the Firm's website.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm's success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.