The Legal Billing Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the firm's billing operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with client agreements and firm policies. This role requires a strong understanding of legal billing practices, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of client service. The Legal Billing Manager will lead a team of billing professionals, implement best practices, and leverage technology to optimize billing processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Management and Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of billing specialists and clerks.
- Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify training needs.
- Delegate tasks effectively and ensure equitable workload distribution.
- Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.
Billing Operations
- Oversee the entire billing lifecycle, from time entry review to invoice generation and distribution.
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of client invoices, adhering to client-specific billing guidelines and firm policies.
- Review and approve complex invoices, ensuring all necessary documentation is attached.
- Manage e-billing processes, including setting up new e-billing vendors, troubleshooting rejections, and monitoring e-billing portals.
- Collaborate with attorneys and practice groups to resolve billing discrepancies and address client inquiries.
- Monitor unbilled time and disbursements, actively working to minimize aged WIP.
- Implement and enforce firm-wide billing policies and procedures.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Generate and analyze various billing reports, including WIP, accounts receivable, realization, and productivity reports.
- Provide insights and recommendations to firm leadership regarding billing trends and financial performance.
- Assist in the development of billing forecasts and budgets.
Process Improvement and Technology
- Identify opportunities for process automation and efficiency enhancements within the billing department.
- Evaluate and implement new billing software or system upgrades.
- Develop and update training materials for billing staff and attorneys on billing systems and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and industry standards.
Client Relations
Act as a primary point of contact for complex client billing inquiries and issues.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure a high level of client satisfaction through accurate and responsive billing services.
Requirements
Qualifications Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in legal billing, with at least 3-5 years in a management or supervisory role.
- In-depth knowledge of legal billing software e-billing platforms such as Clio, Law Pay, etc.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Google and or Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Demonstrated ability to implement and manage change.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles related to billing and accounts receivable.
Working Conditions
- Typically an office environment, with occasional need for extended hours during peak billing cycles.
- May involve sitting for long periods and extensive computer use.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- 40-hour work week
- Weekends as needed