Job DescriptionAbout the RoleThe Pricing & Business Analysis Manager serves as a partner-facing pricing advisor, leading the development of alternative fee arrangement (AFA) proposals and value-based pricing strategies as clients and the market move away from traditional hourly billing. Working with limited direction from the Director, Pricing & Business Analysis, the Manager advises partners on pricing strategy, matter budgets, client rate discussions and AFA structures, profitability analysis and financial reporting. The role requires an experienced law firm pricing professional who understands the business and can operate independently with minimal training.
Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism by setting clear expectations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality service. Fosters and reinforces a positive, solution-oriented ('can-do') approach across the team. Ensures effective support of internal departments, external clients, and vendors by modeling and requiring clear, courteous communication through electronic correspondence, telephone, and in-person interactions.What You Will Be Doing• Serve as a primary pricing advisor to partners and practice group leaders, leading the design and modeling of alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) and other value-based pricing structures, developing pricing for RFPs and pitches, and monitoring AFA performance against budget and profitability targets.
• Provide decision support to Director, Pricing & Business Analysis and Chief Operating Officer. Decision support includes monthly statistical reporting, issue/problem definition from both a business and financial perspective, developing, analyzing, and quantitatively modeling feasible/realistic alternatives, and presenting recommendations.
• Develop and deliver clear, compelling pricing analyses and presentations for partners, practice group leaders and Finance leadership, translating complex data into actionable recommendations.
• Supervise, mentor and develop Pricing & Business Analyst(s) by training, guiding, and advising staff.
• Look for opportunities to improve processes and activities by using/leveraging business technologies, including AI and automation tools, and other resources.
• Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned.
Required SkillsWhat You Will Bring to This Position• Deep, hands-on knowledge of law firm pricing, including AFA design, rate setting, matter budgeting and law firm economics, with the ability to contribute immediately with minimal training. Keeps up with current developments and trends in legal pricing, including the impact of AI on how legal services are delivered and priced.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressure.
• Excellent business writing and oral skills including knowledge of business English as necessary to present information that requires some origination and/or compilation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-level research that involves interpretation and analysis as necessary to develop recommendations on broad, complex topics and issues that have long-range impact.
• Proven ability to work directly with partners as a trusted advisor, presenting complex pricing analyses clearly and influencing decisions. Develops and sustains productive partner and client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze problems, propose solutions, anticipate future problems areas before initiating action and implementing solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work with supervisor, peers, subordinates and support personnel, keeping others informed of work status and changes that relate to their activities and stimulate team cooperation to successfully complete the task or assignment.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively use PC-based and on-line technology, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software currently in use at WilmerHale. Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills; experience with law firm financial, time and billing, and pricing systems preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as necessary to work effectively with people at all levels at WilmerHale. Demonstrates enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, flexibility and spirit of cooperation.
• Demonstrated ability to make significant decisions on complex issues to achieve long-term results and strategic objectives.
EDUCATION• Bachelors degree in Finance or Accounting required.
• CPA or MBA preferred.
Required Experience• Minimum 7 years' directly related experience in pricing, financial management, planning and analysis, with significant experience in a law firm pricing function.
• Experience developing AFAs and advising partners on pricing strongly preferred.
Why Join Us?- A values-driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect
- The hiring range for this position is $185,760 - 232,200 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
- This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options
- Paid time off and holidays
- For additional information about our benefits, please click here
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.
