Baker McKenzie

The Contentious Support Group Manager will manage teams of Legal Professionals, Senior Legal Professionals, Specialists, Alternative Legal Services Team Leads ("ALS Team"), and external resources (where necessary). The role-holder will help with delivering contentious and advisory projects alongside Baker McKenzie Case Teams (“Case Teams”) from offices around the globe. These projects are typically cross-border in nature, high-value, and legally complex.

Main responsibilities:

• Manage the ALS Team and external resources (where needed) on client billable projects per matter requirements and agreed deadlines
• Provide cost estimates to Case Teams before the commencement of a matter, and manage costs throughout the duration of the project
• Liaise with Case Teams in relation to the provision of project instructions, and help with the drafting of such instructions where necessary
• Lead video conference/in-person briefing sessions with project Case Teams and ALS Team
• Train the ALS Team on the specifics of billable matters and monitor the performance of the team throughout the duration of projects; raise any training needs with the Director - Contentious Support Group
• Resolve substantive queries raised by the ALS Team throughout projects, escalate to the Director - Contentious Support Group and Case Teams where necessary
• Communicate with Case Teams and relevant third parties (where appropriate) throughout the duration of billable projects
• Conduct quality control of work performed by the ALS Team and external resources (where needed)
• Deliver feedback to the ALS Team and external resources (where needed) arising from quality control, and address any performance issues and training requirements
• Obtain feedback from Case Teams upon completion of projects, and draft "lessons learned" documents for internal purposes
• Develop best practice and identify innovative methods for continual process improvement
• Manage technology solutions required for specific projects (in particular, eDiscovery platforms and Generative AI tools), and liaise with technology providers and the Firm’s Global eDiscovery & Data Advisory team 
• Provide pastoral care to a group of Legal Professionals, Senior Legal Professionals, Specialists and/or Team Leads, as applicable, including regular one-to-one meetings, performance management, mentoring and coaching, providing additional support as required 
• Assist with team recruitment processes, including shortlisting CVs, interviews and decisions on outcomes
• Support bespoke projects other than billable matters, such as internal Firm projects, and designing and delivering training programs
• Develop and foster relationships with key practice group stakeholders, including partners, lawyers and clients
• Work with the Director, Contentious Support Group, in respect of ALS Team resourcing and utilization
• Promote and market the ALS Team, assisting with pitches and bringing in new matters
• Assist the Director, Contentious Support Group, with developing the ALS Team's growth strategy, with the creation and development of new service offerings by the ALS Team, including process management
• Represent and promote the Belfast office at external events and to the Firm's clients

Skills and experience:

• Law graduate (2:1 or above) with a strong academic background and legal experience; potentially a qualified lawyer
• Experience in legal technology solutions, and in particular, eDiscovery platforms and processes
• Knowledge of and experience in utilizing Generative AI tools to deliver work products is an advantage
• Substantial management experience in a fast-paced legal environment
• Substantial experience in managing project teams on time-sensitive matters, working with senior stakeholders to deliver results
• Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills, resulting in the identification of process improvements
• Excellent time management, organizational, and administrative skills, an ability to multitask and work well under pressure, with an ability to manage multiple responsibilities at the same time
• A high level of attention to detail
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel and online research tools
• Excellent writing, organizational and communication skills
• Experience in pastoral management and team development
• Will respect and enjoy the diversity of cultural, social, and academic backgrounds found in the Firm

Reports to:  Director, Contentious Support Group

Travel Requirements: Some limited travel may be required.

Position Type:  Center Services

Development Framework:  Manager

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Working at Baker McKenzie Belfast Center:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Center is home to over 400 colleagues in both legal and professional services.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the industry, featuring comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance, and a comprehensive employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.