Location: Washington, DC
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

 

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Public Law & Policy Practice Specialist in our Practice Management department, reporting directly to the Directors of Practice Management and assigned Attorneys.   

 

The position will reside in the Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be responsible for supporting the needs of the Regulatory and Public Law & Policy Practice across key areas of focus. The Public Law & Policy Practice Specialist is expected to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, and maintaining an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement. Above all, the Public Law & Policy Practice Specialist must fulfill the needs of the firm in a manner which is consistent with the Firm’s Core Values.

 

• Support the Regulatory practice management team as detailed below:
  • Assist with coordination of Regulatory attorney and paralegal evaluation and annual compensation adjustment processes, including coordinating the completion of evaluation forms, scheduling evaluation meetings, submitting the practice’s recommended compensation adjustments, and ensuring completion of evaluation meetings. Support Practice Manager and Attorney Development to track implementation of evaluation messages and developmental goals as appropriate.
  • Work with the Director of Practice Management and Regulatory partners to identify professional development and knowledge management training opportunities and liaise with Attorney Development to coordinate the logistics of training programs for Regulatory personnel.
  • Plan and arrange ad hoc, monthly and other periodic meetings, calls and other practice events. Liaise with Marketing, Client Value and other administrative departments on updates and practice-specific communications. Support Practice Manager, Practice Group Leader and partners on initiatives to ensure deliverables and goals are met.
  • Coordinate hiring, onboarding, managing and off boarding of contract attorneys as needed, and ensure invoices are received and processed timely.
• Support the Public Law & Policy (PLP) practice management team as detailed below:
  • Assist in scheduling meetings for PLP clients, attorneys and advisors with Members of Congress and their staff.
  • Assist in scheduling interviews for PLP attorney and advisor candidates (typically Capitol Hill staff), including initial practice-level meetings for lateral partner candidates.
  • Research industry job openings that align with the client roster in order to fully maximize the value of the PLP Job Board.
  • Assist with practice-specific onboarding and offboarding processes. 
  • Assist in a “Member Services” role to support former Members of Congress in their transitions to Akin with high-level administrative work.
  • Assist in scheduling internal PLP meetings. 
  • Assist with planning annual internal political compliance training. 
  • Assist with execution of internal teambuilding events.
  • Assist with ad hoc projects as assigned.
• Assist with legal secretarial and general administrative responsibilities for assigned practice section head. 

• High school degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and legislative process preferred.
• Political or campaign experience a plus but not required.
• Ability to take direction and learn new tasks quickly.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Inquisitiveness, along with the ability to spot issues.
• Collaborative approach with the team and clients with strong ability to build relationships, gain credibility and work with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Must be a self-starter able to operate independently.
• Must be able to demonstrate strong customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, in particular Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Must possess good judgment and a strong sense of professionalism, responsibility, and integrity.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of client, firm and office information and adhering to the Firm’s Core Values.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.