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Summary

The Client Operations Lead is an advanced-level Legal Biller with analytical and job priority sequencing responsibilities. This position is dedicated to a team of New York partners in the Tax Practice Group and includes process and gap analysis to be incorporated into customized best practices that support cash conversion cycle efficiencies for complex billing portfolios. The Client Operations Lead represents the department by participating in client meetings and cross-group collaborations, setting and driving agendas that impact billing practices and processes. This position is based in the Firm’s New York office, reports to the Complex Accounts Manager, and may require dynamic work schedules that adapt to business needs. 

Location

This position is located in our New York office and offers a hybrid work schedule, with the expectation to be onsite 3 days per week or upon the Billing Partner’s request.

Responsibilities  

Be the Subject Matter Expert in providing dedicated legal billing to Tax Group Partners in the New York office.

Review data for accuracy prior to submitting it; gather and submit domestic and international accrual information based on client requirements.

Research and resolve electronic billing rejections.

Research client billing data and provide detailed analysis to attorneys and support staff.

Track and resolve tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis.

Work across multiple teams of support specialists within both Legal Support Services and Accounting teams to provide effective, streamlined billing and client account services to attorneys of the firm.

Responsible for analyzing and prioritizing responsibilities to ensure maximum contribution to the larger billing organization, which includes process and gap analysis to be incorporated into best practices for cash conversion cycle support.

Maintain an accurate description of all client billing requirements, which may also include guidelines established by the client’s general counsel. Update and track changes to the requirements as necessary.

Interact with billing department stakeholders to understand business problems and define solution requirements.

Analyze the legal billing process and supporting systems, develop business cases, build metrics, and perform reporting. Document and communicate functional and system requirements and build process-flow diagrams. Also, continually review internal processes for opportunities to improve efficiencies.

Apply best practices for effective communication and problem solving, create standardized reports, analyze data and document areas requiring improvement.

Support projects, report efforts, liaise with project participants and follow up routinely to ensure effective communication and completion of tasks.

For US clients: support the full billing cycle by reviewing and editing prebills, seek requisite approvals for deferrals, write-offs, and time transfers. Field billing inquiries from adjacent support groups and attorneys. Create and maintain complex monthly reporting.

For global clients: coordinate and lead global client unified billing, which includes reviewing data for accuracy prior to submission, managing global client account assignments and performing all full-cycle billing functions associated with both the firm’s and the client’s billing requirements. Liaise with international attorneys and/or finance counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information for monthly client reporting. Follow-up frequently with international counterparts to ensure that engaged locations stay within budget and issue invoices timely. Troubleshoot issues with finance counterparts as needed. Track and resolve tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis. Generate global client LEDES files for electronic billing based on client requirements.

Develop training programs to ensure consistent billing processes across the team and provide training to attorneys and staff as needed.

Finalize invoices and submit them directly to the client (per policy) or provide them to attorneys for transmission to the client (per approved exceptions to policy), also, includes other billing information as needed.

Desired Skills   

Advanced billing experience with a major law firm in a finance or billing assignment.

Expert level of knowledge and experience with direct billing or client accounts (to include domestic, global, and eBilling) for a law firm or professional services organization supporting legal billing.

Strong knowledge in Aderant Legal Billing accounting system.

Proficient in e-billing applications such as e-Hub or Bill Blast.

Team-oriented and have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Accurate proofreader and have strong attention to detail.

Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems.

Ability to work independently and is able to take direction well.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail with ability to recognize opportunities for efficiency improvements and coaching other billing employees on industry and process level optimization.

Comfortable summarizing and communicating project scope and execution.

Strong computer skills, including advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including in use of Lookup and PivotTable functions.

Organized and a self-starter with the ability to handle a large number of projects at one time and meet multiple concurrent deadlines.

Minimum Education   

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education 

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Business Process Management from an accredited institution or additional comparable experience gained through advanced on-the-job experience as a senior-level Legal Biller.

Minimum Years of Experience  

5 years of experience in a senior-level Legal Billing position managing a high-volume billing portfolio in a fast-paced customer environment, customer service, and business analysis.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:   

Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

Foster positive work relationships.

Comply with all firm policies and practices. 

Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

Perform all other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.   

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.   

Work Environment   

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Disclaimer   

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process    

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.

Accommodation   

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.    

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.   

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $102,000 – $135,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.