At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive
to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence:
collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and
gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the
brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and
strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of
their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they
will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
As one of the world's leading law firms, we serve a broad range
of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A
and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation
and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes
commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government,
regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated
and sophisticated legal matters because we don't just meet industry
standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism
to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client
relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors.
With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20
offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we
are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.
Position Overview
The Practice Assistant Supervisor will work collaboratively with the
Director of Administration to oversee the daily functions of the
Practice Assistant Services Department.
The Practice Assistant Supervisor, is responsible for overseeing all
resources within the Practice Assistant Services Department.
Overseeing the distribution of overflow work and special projects and
staffing of overtime requests. Walk floors to develop and maintain
relationships with the assistants and identify morale and performance
concerns, and serve as a resource for staff regarding Firm policies
and procedures. Oversee orientation of newly hired assistants, and
suggest training initiatives to enhance and meet core competency
objectives. In addition, maintain and update organizational documents
and reports and assist with monitoring and approving work schedules
and attendance.
Job Responsibilities (This list is not exhaustive and
may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)
Leadership: Provides leadership to the assistants.
Proactively ensures that the services provided by the department are
meeting the needs of the firm's attorneys and clients. Prepares and
achieves annual goals to enhance the quality of support provided by
the department. Communicates and works effectively with other staff
members, managers, and attorneys. Keeps the department up to date
with Firm news and updates. Collaborating with FW Practice Assistant
Services department to participate in efforts across all phases of
FW projects and initiatives.
Supervision: Supervises the assistants and promotes
a work environment that fosters excellence, productivity, teamwork,
and high morale. Assists in recruiting, hiring, orientation,
training, counseling, and performance monitoring. Coordinates
disciplinary and termination issues with the Director of
Administration and HR. Monitors attendance and coordinates
attendance records. Implements the policies of the Firm in a fair
and consistent manner.
Staffing: Assist in assigning and back-up
assistance to attorneys, discussing proposed arrangements with staff
and attorneys in advance and monitoring the assignments to ensure
they are working effectively, including leave and lunch coverage.
Professional Development: Coordinates the
orientation of new departmental employees regarding their job
duties. Develops appropriate in-house training and continuing
education programs for departmental staff. Coordinates technology
training with the Technology Services Department.
Paralegal Program: Assist in the oversight of the
paralegals in the Hong Kong office.
Other: Stays current on relevant management and
market trends through participation in outside associations
appropriate to the types of positions being managed, reading
management periodicals, and attending continuing education programs.
Other related duties as assigned.
To undertake any other tasks or responsibilities that reasonably fall
within the remit of this position.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate must have at least 3 years of supervisory
experience, preferably in a professional services environment. Must
possess a proven record of supervising or managing administrative
staff or other legal support personnel within a medium to large law
firm and must demonstrate expertise in providing prompt, professional
and courteous services for all administrative requests. Must also
possess excellent communication and organizational skills, be
detail-oriented, flexible, ability to adapt to change, and demonstrate
a customer service orientation. Must be adept at problem resolution,
show strong competence in staff management and demonstrate the ability
to remain calm and unflappable in high-pressure situations. The
qualified candidate is expected to maintain confidentiality, act in a
fair and equitable manner and be able to interact effectively with
individuals on all levels of the firm's business. Previous legal
administrative experience in a law firm environment is highly desired.
This position exercises a moderate to high degree of discretion and
independent judgment.
Excellent command of English and Cantonese. Mandarin is preferred.
Fluency in written English with ability to develop and deliver
grammatically correct verbal and written communications in a variety
of formats and styles.
