Client Accounts Operations Lead - NYC

Summary: The Client Account Operations Lead is an advanced level Legal Biller responsible for analytic and priority sequencing tasks. The position permanently manages billing duties for high-volume institutional and high‑profile clients and attorneys, ensuring accurate full‑cycle billing across domestic and international books. The Lead serves as a subject‑matter expert, provides temporary managerial support when needed, and represents the department in client meetings and cross‑group initiatives that impact billing practices.

Location

This position is located in the New York office and offers a hybrid work schedule, requiring at least three days in the office.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the subject‑matter expert in providing dedicated legal billing to Corporate Practice Group partners.
• Review data for accuracy before submission, and gather and submit domestic and international accrual information based on client requirements.
• Research and resolve electronic billing rejections.
• Research client billing data and provide detailed analysis to attorneys and support staff.
• Track and resolve tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis.
• Collaborate with multiple support specialist teams across Legal Support Services and Accounting to deliver efficient billing and client account services.
• Conduct process and gap analysis to develop customized training and mentoring for staff on all billing procedures.
• Maintain accurate descriptions of all client billing requirements, updating and tracking changes as necessary.
• Interact with billing stakeholders to understand business problems, define solution requirements, and document functional and system specifications.
• Analyze legal billing processes and systems, build metrics, perform reporting, and continuously review internal processes for efficiency improvements.
• Create standardized department reports and analyze data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support projects and reporting efforts, coordinating with project participants and ensuring completion of tasks.
• Interface with IT and other departments to support cross‑functional project requirements, perform system testing, and validate requirements.
• For US clients: manage the full billing cycle, review and edit pro‑formas, obtain approvals for deferrals, write‑offs, and time transfers, field billing inquiries, and create complex monthly reporting.
• For global clients: coordinate and lead global client unified billing, manage data accuracy, handle global client account assignments, produce full‑cycle billing functions, liaise with international attorneys and finance counterparts, troubleshoot issues, and generate global client LEDES files.
• Develop and deliver training programs to ensure consistent billing practices across the team.
• Finalize and submit invoices to clients per policy, or provide them to attorneys for transmission under approved exceptions.
• Act as a point of escalation and quality analyst, coaching junior specialists and providing mentorship.
• Provide temporary managerial support and functional supplemental senior‑level billing resources during absences or increased workload.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Advanced on‑the‑job experience as a senior‑level Legal Biller with a major law firm, utilizing Aderant and Bill Blast billing applications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Expert level experience with direct billing or client accounts, including domestic, global, and e‑billing for a law firm.
• Strong knowledge of the Aderant Legal Billing accounting system.
• Proficiency in e‑billing applications such as e‑Hub or Bill Blast.
• Team‑oriented, collaborative, and capable of working effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Accurate proofreader with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient at troubleshooting and resolving complex problems.
• Ability to work independently and follow direction well.
• Strong analytical skills to recognize efficiency opportunities and coach peers.
• Experienced in summarizing and communicating project scope and execution.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Lookup and PivotTable functions.
• Organized self‑starter who can handle multiple projects and meet concurrent deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize assignments while providing backup billing support to multiple managers and a dynamic attorney roster.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Minimum Years of Experience: 5 years of senior‑level legal billing experience managing a high‑volume billing portfolio in a fast‑paced customer environment.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables promptly, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Meet deadlines, expectations, and perform duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity such as prolonged computer work, digital/virtual conference calls, and necessary meetings.
• Work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $103,489 - $137,126 per year, based on geographic location and candidate qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and 401(k) participation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.