Managing Clerk - Ropes & Gray : Job Details

The Managing Clerk is responsible for overseeing the Managing Clerks Office and providing expertise on procedural aspects of matters handled by the firms litigators. The Managing Clerk reports directly to the Managing Attorney.

Essential Functions:

• Manages and maintains firms litigation docketing and calendar controls. Leads efforts to improve and upgrade automated docketing, calendaring and litigation records.
• Manages and coordinates the service, filing, monitoring and retrieval function for litigation cases, including the e-filing process. Maintains ECF/PACER accounts for firm attorneys.
• Updates and maintains software applications for the firms docketing and calendaring needs.
• Monitors rules and procedures and stays informed of changes that effect docketing and calendaring function.
• Advises attorneys and other professionals, at both the department and practice group level, on federal, state and local civil practice. Reviews and drafts routine legal documents.
• Keeps litigation department apprised of changes to court rules and notable case law on civil practice and procedure.
• Researches procedural questions using all available sources, including case law, practice books and online legal research tools.
• Assists in the training of the Litigation Clerks and Assistant Managing Clerk(s) on all aspects of service, filing, monitoring, retrieval, rules and procedure, docketing and calendaring functions in all relevant courts and venues.
• Contributes to firm knowledge management-related initiatives as they pertain to litigation case files, docketing, records management, sample pleadings database and other similar areas of function within the litigation department.
• Conveys best practices in paper and electronic litigation file maintenance and electronic docketing and calendaring, and assists

Essential Capabilities:

• Serves as resident expert in the New York office on federal and state court rules and procedures.
• Able to research and explain court rules, procedures, in all courts in which the firm practices or seeks to practice.
• Proficient at searching and extracting information from court-related databases, websites and all relevant docketing and calendaring applications including, but not limited to, CM/ECF, PACER, Odyssey, CourtAlert, CalendarRules, Bloomberg, Lexis Advance and Westlaw.
• Able to adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced firm environment to support department and MCO goals.
• Able to be proactive and anticipate problems before they develop and exercise sound judgment in working towards resolutions.
• Able to remain flexible in responding quickly and positively to shifting demands under tight deadlines.
• Able to work in a culturally and educationally diverse workplace and to be proficient at relaying salient information in a multi-office environment.
• Able to work well individually and to keep others apprised of status on work and projects.
• Able to work well as a team player and contribute meaningfully to litigation department projects. Is capable of sharing information, goals, opportunities, success and failures with appropriate parties.
• Able to balance multiple detailed tasks at once and follow up and follow through on the delivery of results.
• Possesses excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Exhibits a high level of customer service and collaborates well with attorneys, paralegals and support staff with a responsive, professional, pleasant and cooperative attitude throughout.
• Performs billable work on litigation cases and approaches this work as priority work each day/week/month.
• Owns professional development by seeking out feedback and learning new skills.
• Takes ownership of deliverables and is accountable to internal stakeholders.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality of the firms internal and personnel affairs and client information.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

Bachelors degree and a minimum of 10 years experience as a Managing Clerk in a New York law firm environment. Prior court clerk experience in the New York state supreme or federal courts is a big plus. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of litigation issues, rules, and procedure. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities to guide junior MCO staff in reaching goals.

Compensation and Total Rewards Package:

Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is listed below and represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity.

New York City: $129,100 - $196,900

Working Conditions:

This position requires hybrid on-site presence as an essential function of the role. Consistent and predictable on-site presence is required for ongoing business continuity, professional development and effective collaboration with colleagues and management.