Job Title : Managing Counsel - based in Riyadh Office
Position Location (City) : Riyadh 
Jobs Description : This position description lists the basic responsibilities of a Managing Counsel of a branch office of the firm. It should be tailored to the specific goals and needs of each branch office.

The Managing Counsel reports directly to the Managing Director, with respect to issues involving implementation of the firm’s business strategy, delivery of the firm’s annual business plan, and the delivery of professional services to clients.

The Managing Counsel reports to the Business Manager with respect to: financial management; facilities and logistics; implementation of administrative policy; internal communications; human resources management; and all other functions designated by the Managing Director for coordination by the Business Manager.

This is a full-time position; but, as noted below, a significant portion of a Managing Counsel’s available time is assumed and expected to be devoted to the delivery of legal services.

Principal responsibilities

• Improve long-term revenue generation from the branch office by strengthening the firm’s client base in the local market and internationally through the provision of legal services to international clients.

• Manage the profitability of client engagements served by fee earners and staff in the branch office.

• Implement and deliver the firm’s annual business plan with respect to activities in the branch office.

• Coordinate with the Senior Counsels and the Managing Director to ensure the efficient and responsive delivery of high quality legal services by the branch office.

• Participate in the delivery of legal services to clients in matters requiring the Managing Counsel’s particular professional experience or legal expertise.

• With the guidance and assistance of the Senior Partner and the Marketing Coordinator, implement and deliver the firm’s marketing plan with respect to activities in the branch office.

• Manage fee earners and staff in the branch office to deliver the highest levels of service to the firm’s clients.

• Reinforce the highest ethical standards among all personnel in the branch office. 

• Create a positive image of the firm in the local area, nationally, and internationally.

• Provide a positive leadership example for lawyers and staff throughout the firm.

• In coordination with the General Manager, the Managing Counsel manage the day-to-day operations of the branch office in areas such as:

• facilities, furnishings, equipment, and logistics;

• financial management and accounting;

• files

• internal office communications;

• client relations; and

• human resources management.
 

Required education and experience

A fully-qualified occupant of this position possesses these educational and experience credentials:

• A minimum of five years successful experience in commercial / corporate legal matters; and

• Licensed to practice in law in Saudi Arabia (i.e., a Saudi national); and

• A minimum of five years successful experience in Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere in the Middle East, with a reputable law firm or law department. 

Required skills and competencies

To perform the responsibilities of this position at a satisfactory level, the Managing Counsel of a branch office must demonstrate mastery of these business skills and competencies on a regular, frequent basis:

• Entrepreneurial skills such as marketing of legal services, growth of long-term client relationships, building a reputation in the local legal and business communities, and profitable management of the delivery of legal services

• Fluency in Arabic and English, with basic conversational skills and literacy in additional languages being highly desirable, but not required

• Demonstrated leadership skills, as evidenced by successful management of other lawyers, fee earners, and staff in the delivery of legal services

• Clear communication of firm policies and priorities to managers and staff

• The ability to design, introduce, and manage new policies and processes to improve performance and cost-effectiveness

• The ability to identify early indicators of management or performance problems in the branch office’s major business systems, and the initiative to take appropriate, cost-effective action in order to prevent crises

• The ability to identify operational issues of potential concern to functional managers in the firm and to participate in the solution of those issues in the branch office and, as needed, throughout the firm

A demonstrated ability to communicate sophisticated legal advice and its practical business implications to clients