Practice Support Specialist

Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.

The Practice Support Specialist operates with a high level of autonomy providing senior level administrative and practice support to a partner and clients.  This role is essential in the success of the partner’s practice and provides substantial business development support. In addition to handling core responsibilities essential in client service, workflow coordination, and operations, the Practice Support Specialist also manages complex client and matter maintenance and onboarding, tracks time-sensitive projects, and facilitates enhanced communication with high-profile clients and stakeholders. At all times, the individual represents the firm and the partner in a highly polished and professional manner. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule (three days per week onsite).

Client and Matter Management

• Serve as a primary support contact for clients and external parties.

• Facilitate new business intake processes, including opening new clients and matters and managing conflict checks.

• Prepare and finalize engagement letters.

• Work with pricing team on setting up and tracking client matter budgets.

• Perform client-related research and coordinate follow-up with attorneys; respond to requests for audit letters and basic corporate documentation.

• Support workflow management and team communication by updating task lists.

• Draft and prepare complex waiver and disclosure letters for client matters and transactions.

• Utilize digital automation tools (e.g. Neuron) to assist with drafting board minutes. 

• Provide documents for closing client deals when requested.

• Build relationships crucial to the success of onboarding clients; focusing on the wants, needs and interests of the clients.

• Provide assistance in drafting board minutes when attorney attends board meetings.

• May provide assistance in updating minute books. 

Business Development and Marketing Support

• Proactively prepare attorney for client pitches, networking meetings, client-facing presentations and industry events.

• Provide research on prospective clients in preparation for client meetings in coordination with the Competitive Intelligence Team.

• Prepare pitch decks in coordination with Business Development.

• Work with Business Development to identify potential contacts with clients and prospects (“who-knows-who” research).

• Communicate with Business Development on attorney travel schedule to facilitate suggested meetings with clients, prospects and networking contacts.

• Enter and track all business development activity in Salesforce to support client tracking and marketing initiatives.  Maintain and update client contact records, track engagement activity, and ensure data accuracy and integrity within Salesforce.

• Categorize contacts, adding contacts to relevant communication lists and monitoring outreach efforts to said contacts, helping the partner stay in touch with priority contacts.

• Suggest and manage client communications on relevant industry/legal developments and prepare client alerts.

• At partner’s request, make introductions between clients and VCs on behalf of partner.

• Ensure clients and prospects are invited to firm events and trainings.

• Assist with social media and marketing initiatives by managing social media content, drafting messages and posts.

• Maintain partner’s bio and social media profile(s) with relevant new information such as new key clients, and significant experience.

Practice Group Support

• Organize and plan practice group summits, meetings, trainings, and events, including preparing agendas and coordinating catering, room reservations, and technology needs.

• Work with Professional Development to facilitate attorney training needs. 

• Work with Career Development to arrange associate staffing on clients when necessary.

• Ensure Career Development is conducting regular meetings with associates and serve as the conduit for information between