Description
Role purpose
To support the London office in keeping accurate origination records, adhering to Firm policy, rules and regulations in relation to Client Credit.
Main responsibilities
- Daily maintenance of Client Origination records
- Daily distribution of Client Origination memos
- Management of Client Origination databases
- Management of several monthly Reports
- Understand the Client Origination processes
- Ensure processes are followed in accordance with the guidelines set by global Client Origination function
- Prioritise specialised Client Origination projects including development of databases to ensure accurate record keeping
- Specific research in relation to the Firm's industry key clients to rationalise Client Origination allocation
- Identify and prioritise resolution of incorrect allocations
- Liaise with global Client Origination team in Chicago to prioritise resolution of aged inquiries
- Actively review and prioritise backlog of outstanding inquiries to ensure award of arrangements
- Consult with senior stakeholders face to face on a regular basis to gather information and preparing summaries for the Client Origination Manager
- Review matters opened to ensure correct assignment
- Respond promptly to inquiries from Partners, Associates and PAs on Client Origination queries
- Manage / deliver bespoke reports and analysis requested by the Senior Client Origination Manager at periodic intervals or on an ad-hoc basis and interpret results
- Manage ad hoc research projects
- Develop an effective working relationship with Partners and Associates Work with and supporting colleagues within the Matter Opening team to ensure new matters are assigned correctly
Function
The Finance & Accounting department has a culture of excellence – it's far more than just a back office function. We provide valuable financial advice and support to the business and its stakeholders.
Our London team is led by our Finance Director and is structured into two broad areas:
1) Reporting and Accounting:
This function looks after all of the Firm's reporting needs, both internal and external. This includes strategic planning and budgeting, management accounts, statutory accounts and tax work.
2) Finance Operations:
This team is responsible for the day-to-day operations, including billing, collections, cash management & treasury, allocation of work origination and client monies.
You will report to : Senior Client Origination Manager
Your direct reports, if any: None
- Key relationships
- Fee earning staff
- Finance team
- Global client Administration teams
Technical skills, qualifications and experience
- Experience of working within a professional services environment preferred although not essential
- Knowledge of SAP helpful
- Previous business administrative experience helpful
- Previous experience in Finance would be beneficial, however not essential as full training will be provided
- Good academic credentials (or equivalent experience), at least educated to GCSE and A Level
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal and the ability to interact effectively at all levels
- Experience of working with Partners and Associates and the ability to develop strong relationships and to influence and challenge effectively
- Desire to learn and to keep up to date with developments
- Able to present information concisely and professional
- Strong IT skills, particularly Excel with experience with spreadsheets, and ability to provide financial information and use spreadsheets as required
- Sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgement and strong operational focus and a team player
- Deal with sensitive information in an appropriate manner
- Ability to take initiative and manage own workload
- Ability to work calmly under pressure and to challenging deadlines
- Flexible in attitude and approach to work with a willingness to work beyond core hours when required
- Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the Firm
- Excellent attention to detail essential
- Delivers high quality work
These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location.
Know how
- Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distills a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner
- Has the capacity to take on new ideas and develop knowledge and think holistically about business and address media, analyst, employee, and client audiences
- Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with the agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis
Dedication
- Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards
- Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative and is self reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible
- Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands
- Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations
Personal Impact
- Uses complex, coordinated influencing/negotiation strategies, adapted to people, organizations, and/or the situation, e.g. networks
- Leverages direct reports to facilitate increased collaboration across the organization
- Builds partnerships based on a common agreement that acknowledges individual differences but creates a new commonality beyond root belief large-scale
- Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity
- Negotiates to achieve mutually satisfactory outcomes; shows good judgment on when to stand strong and when to compromise
- Invests in, nurtures, and builds a network of productive relationships
Humanity
- Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent
- Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people
- Treats delicate or confidential issues with grace and discretion
Why Join Us?
Baker McKenzie is a truly global law firm. Founded in 1949, we advise many of the world's most dynamic and successful business organisations through our 13,200 people in 74 offices in 45 countries. Yet big does not mean impersonal. We work hard to ensure that everyone knows their role and has the support they need to perform it to the highest standard. Our culture encourages this - how we work, think and behave in a collaborative and fulfilling way.
In London you will be part of a 1,000 person office, which is also our largest office globally. Originally opened in 1961, Baker McKenzie London is well established in the UK as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country's most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, friendly and supportive.
The strength of the firm and our culture is evidenced by a number of recent awards, including:
- Thomson Reuters (formerly Acritas' Sharplegal) Global Elite Law Firm Brand Index, 2010- 2022 - ranked 1st
- The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2021-2022: currently ranked 52nd
- Thomson Reuters ranked the Firm No. 1 for cross-border deals for the last 12 years. More than 70% of our deals are cross-border.
- For the 14th consecutive year, the Firm was ranked first for deals with emerging market involvement, by both number of announced and completed deals.
- Law360 ranked the Firm as one of the 400 Largest US Law Firms in in its annual survey in 2020.
- Identified as one of the Hall of Fame for best law firms for women by Working Mother magazine, 2011-2021.
- Received a a Gold Award in Stonewall's Global Workplace Equality Index of Top Global Employers for LGBTQ+ Inclusion.
- Ranked as one of the Top 20 Employers in the 2023 Social Mobility Employer Index.
- Received Double Certification for earning top marks in the 2022 Corporate Equality Index and Equidad MX of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
- Winner of the Europe Mentorship Programme - International Firm award in the Euromoney Women in Business Law Europe Awards 2021
- Winner of the Gender Diversity International Firm, Talent Management International Firm, and Work-Life Balance International Firm awards in the Euromoney Women in Business Law Asia Awards 2021
Have a look at our YouTube channel to find out more about us!
To Apply
Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application.
For more information about this position or to discuss any adjustments you may require during the process please contact in confidence, David Roberts, Recruitment Manager, on David.Roberts@bakermckenzie.com
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NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.
Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity
As the first truly global law firm, diversity and inclusion are foundational to our culture and strategic vision. We are a Firm of individuals from across the globe with different backgrounds, ideas, and points of view who collegially work together to solve complex problems and design practical solutions for our clients. Our multiple perspectives come from many sources, including the diverse ethnicity, culture, gender, nationality, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, parental status, education, social background and life experience of our people.
Our global strategy is focused on our people, our culture, our clients and the communities where we operate. In 2019 we enacted ambitious new targets related to gender, racial and ethnic diversity at the Firm. These targets are viewed as a floor, not a ceiling, to advancing underrepresented groups, and they are backed by a variety of strategic initiatives aimed at achieving our goals. Our strategic vision is supported in London by six active employee led networks which champion diversity, lead on a number of internal campaigns and deliver a range of activity to celebrate differences in identity, inclusion, and key dates throughout the year including: LGBT+ History Month, International Women's Day, International Trans Day of Visibility, Mental Health Awareness Week, Pride, Black History Month, Social Mobility Week, International Day of Disabled Persons and many more!
Baker McKenzie London has been accredited by Disability Confident, joining over 18,000 organisations that have signed up to help change behaviours and cultures in businesses, networks and communities and reap the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.