Practice Manager / Business Development Officer at Tope Adebayo LLP

JOB BRIEF

• The practice manager will lead all the operational aspects of running the firm, which include business leadership, staff management, strategic planning and marketing, operational efficiency, brand marketing, and increasing the profitability of the firm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Practice / Knowledge Management

• Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the law firm and make improvements to them.
• Monitor and share data illustrating the firm's progress in achieving its strategic objectives.
• Plan, manage, and oversee all corporate communications activities aimed at promoting the firm’s image, the firm’s interface with media, other corporate entities, and the larger public on online and physical platforms.
• Streamlining processes and systems to ensure best practice, efficiency, and profitability.
• Cultivate and maintain a productive law office culture and work environment.
• Lead, plan, and support the implementation of the knowledge management strategy.
• Assist Partners develop robust foresight and research that supports the selection of future practice areas.
• Provide a strategic view on the further development of knowledge management systems and practices to support the work and development of the firm into the future.
• Ensure that all systems supporting knowledge management work in an integrated style and are developed to guarantee a high and continuing level of efficiency beneficial to the firm.
• Encourage employees to share knowledge and ensure they are aware of the knowledge management resources available to support their work, they are appropriately trained and are using the systems efficiently and productively.
• Oversee the maintenance of the Client Information System as a means of maintaining business and personal data on clients of the Firm.
• Manage, maintain, and develop the extranet system so that information and data are accessible to employees.
• Develop an Information Technology Policy for the firm (e.g. security, internet and e-mail use, disaster management, etc.), and manage external IT Consultants.

Business Development

• Manage content on firm’s website and periodic review of staff profiles.
• Develop strategic initiatives on Brand Management and grow organic followers on all the firm’s social media platforms.
• Assist with the preparation of templates for bidding/ tendering for new business opportunities.
• Prepare annual budgets with the Accountant and line managers to meet the objectives of the practice and the Partners.
• Develop and sustain solid relationships with the firm’s stakeholders and clients.
• Conduct and analyze customer feedback survey data and present reports and recommendations to the Partners.
• Provide insight into product development and competitive positioning.
• Analyze financial data and develop effective strategies to reduce business costs and increase profits.
• Conducting market research to identify new business opportunities.
• Collaborating with Partners and other employees to determine the most viable, cost-effective approach to pursue new business opportunities.
• Meeting with potential clients to present and negotiate business deals.

Human Resources Coordination

• Advise the management on HR policies and work closely with them to understand and implement policies and procedures.
• Oversees recruitment including drafting job descriptions, advertising on recruitment websites arranging and at times conducting interviews and distributing all new starter paperwork like offers of employment using relevant templates.
• Manage and improve the existing processes, policies, and procedures.
• Administer employee benefits.
• Assist the annual salary and bonus review process by updating payroll records, sending letters to employees, and filing them in employee files.
• Develop and drive Talent Management and Succession planning strategies with line managers/Partners.
• Monitor staff competencies in line with the firm’s requirements.
• Develop strategies for change and growth.
• Approve and book annual leave for employees in line with their contractual entitlements.
• Manage record and monitor all sick leave and working-from-home days on the firm’s central register.
• Manage the onboarding process.

General Supervision of the Office

• Control procurement of suitable and cost-effective computer equipment.
• Approve the order of office supplies.  
• Coordinate administrative staff to ensure that office administration is effectively delegated including the operations team consisting of the HR Executive, Accountant, and Personal Assistant.
• Review and oversee the office filing system both soft and hardcopy.
• Coordinate and manage business continuity plan.
• Liaise with and manage external contractors to ensure that matters requiring attention are dealt with promptly according to the contract in place.
• Work with the external contractors to ensure that all areas of health, safety, and environmental issues are properly governed and managed.
• Undertake analysis of law firms’ issues and make decisions, give comments, or make recommendations as appropriate.
• Advise on the purchase and replacement of infrastructure and methods of funding.
• Coordinate and monitor all activities within the law office.
• Check completed documents for accuracy and quality.
• Ensure Associates has all necessary paperwork to take to court.
• Assign tasks to team members and ensure tasks are completed on time and following quality guidelines.
• Carry out other assignments delegated by the Senior Partner/Managing Partner.

SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES

• Broad understanding of the requirements of a law firm.
• Good verbal and written communication.
• Highly experienced in Human Resources.
• Project management.
• Documentation.
• Knowledge of managerial best practices and standards.
• Business writing.
• Decision making.
• Leadership and team building.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION

• LLB, BL, or any discipline related to Humanities.
• MBA, LLM, or HR Professional Qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a law firm or consulting firm.