Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job - it's a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.
Your Role and Responsibilities
As the Outside Counsel Relationship Manager, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing relationships with our external law firms. This role involves strategic oversight of engagements, performance evaluation, and ensuring that our external legal partners provide the highest level of service and value. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure that our legal needs are met efficiently and effectively.
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Key Responsibilities:
Relationship Management
• Develop and maintain strong, strategic relationships with law firm billing departments to foster collaboration and trust.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external law firm billing departments, facilitating clear communication and collaboration on legal matter accounting.
• Act as a liaison between internal legal teams and outside counsel to ensure seamless information flow.
Accountability & Performance Evaluation
• Monitor and assess the performance of outside counsel against established service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Conduct regular reviews of outside counsel engagements, including feedback sessions and performance evaluations, to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Implement strategies to enhance the quality and efficiency of outside counsel services.
Engagement Oversight
• Collaborate with internal legal teams to understand their needs, project scopes, and to identify suitable outside counsel for specific matters.
• Ensure alignment of outside counsel services with business objectives and legal requirements by conducting needs assessments and regular checkins.
• Manage the onboarding process for new outside counsel, ensuring they understand our expectations and procedures.
Cost Management
• Analyze billing practices, scrutinize invoices, and manage legal spend associated with outside counsel, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
• Negotiate fee structures, billing terms, and other contractual arrangements with outside counsel to maximize value.
• Develop and implement budgetary controls and processes for outside counsel expenditures.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure that outside counsel adheres to company policies, compliance requirements, and best practices in risk management.
• Monitor changes in laws and regulations that may impact the engagement of outside counsel and communicate relevant updates to internal teams.
• Conduct due diligence on outside counsel to assess their capabilities, areas of expertise, and risk profiles.
Training & Development
• Facilitate training sessions for internal teams on best practices for managing outside counsel relationships, including communication and performance feedback.
• Keep internal stakeholders informed about changes in outside counsel practices, capabilities, and offerings through regular updates and workshops.
Market Insights
• Stay updated on industry trends, legal market dynamics, and competitive practices related to outside counsel management.
• Conduct market research to identify potential new law firms for engagement based on evolving needs, emerging legal issues, and shifts in the legal landscape.
Reporting & Analytics
• Prepare and present regular reports on outside counsel performance, engagement metrics, and legal spend to senior management and stakeholders.
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for improvement in outside counsel relationships.
Required Technical and Professional Expertise
Bachelor's degree in Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
Proven experience in vendor or relationship management, preferably within a legal context.
Strong understanding of legal services, law firm operations, and the legal industry landscape.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyze financial data and legal billing practices effectively.
Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise
Familiarity with legal technology systems for RFP, Matter Management, and e-Billing, etc.
Advanced degree preferred.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects simultaneously.
Proficient in using relationship management software and tools.