Business Professionals
Work side-by-side with lawyers in one of Boston’s leading law firms.
Built for excellence
Choate is unlike other law firms. We represent clients in their most important matters across the US and internationally from one office. This single-office model puts teamwork and collaboration front and center and enables our lawyers and our professional staff to provide exceptional service to our clients. Choate recruits only the best and brightest, and we are dedicated to the long-term success of all of our employees.
Career development
As a business professional, you will be assigned a mentor and a Firm advocate on day one to ensure a successful integration into your role and into the firm. Your professional development is important to us, and so we offer a suite of onsite training programs through Choate University, sponsor a variety of educational and career advancement opportunities, and conduct formal ninety-day, mid-year, and annual review processes to provide you with continuous feedback so that you can succeed here and make the maximum contribution to the Firm and our clients.
Compensation
Choate offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits program to our business professionals. Our benefits program in particular is aimed at helping our staff maintain health and wellness and achieve short- and long-term financial security. The firm offers a choice of medical and dental plans, firm-sponsored life and disability insurance, 401(k) and profit-sharing retirement plans, and generous paid time off, in addition to on-site child care, free health screenings, educational seminars, and other activities that promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Open Positions
Systems Engineer
The Systems Engineer will join the team responsible for the Firm’s IT systems, services, and operations. This position is responsible for the analysis, design, development, and maintenance of IT systems infrastructure. The Team focuses on maximizing Firm-wide productivity and minimizing disruptions to the client experience. The Systems Engineer will play a pivotal role on the Firm’s Tier 3 Operations team and will help maintain a culture of superior client service and continuous improvement.
Job Functions:
- Supports the design, development, and operation of the IT systems infrastructure.
- Supports the Firm’s virtual and physical servers including Active Directory, operating systems, and general maintenance.
- Supports virtualization, networking, and cloud infrastructure.
- Works closely with the Principal Enterprise Architect and IT Operations Director to:
- Oversee IT service delivery with respect to infrastructure and endpoint systems including service design, service operation, and continuous service improvement.
- Develop, implement, and maintain operational technology strategies, policies, and standards.
- Develop and implement backup and disaster recovery plans and procedures, including regular reviews and real-world tests.
- Collects core system metrics to develop and implement improvement plans based on analysis of data.
- Partners with Principal Enterprise Architect and other stakeholders to improve operational procedures, IT processes, and the security and performance of existing systems.
- Communicates and collaborates with other departments to report and resolve software, hardware, and operational issues.
- Researches and evaluates new technologies. Identifies and recommends solutions to make operations more efficient.
- Provides 24x7 on-call support and problem triage for IT services on a rotating basis.
Qualifications:
- 6+ years of related IT experience with a particular focus in supporting business critical IT infrastructure, in a professional services environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field is preferred.
- Microsoft, cloud and virtualization certifications are preferred.
- The ideal candidate will have proven experience working with technologies currently in use at the Firm, including: Active Directory (incl. Group Policy, DNS, DHCP), Windows and Linux OS, Microsoft Configuration Manager/SCCM/MECM, Citrix, NetScaler, VMWare, PowerShell, Nutanix, Cohesity, HPE and APC hardware, Microsoft 365, Azure, MSSQL, Ansible
- Experience with virtualization, converged and hyperconverged technologies, and networking.
- Experience with provisioning, configuration, and deployment automation preferred.
- Demonstrated capability in solving new and complex problems.
- Strong knowledge of and experience in network management platforms and monitoring systems.
- Must be able to work in fast paced environment, with the demonstrated ability to organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently, and in a team setting, while having good judgment as to when consultation is required.
- Superior oral and written communication skills.
- Reliable team player with a positive attitude and strong commitment to client service.
To apply, please click here.
Operations and Reporting Manager
The Operations and Reporting Manager position is responsible for working with Wealth Management Group teams to coordinate communication and workflow regarding department systems and technology. This individual will work closely with the management team to ensure department is functioning as efficiently as possible.
Job Functions:
- Oversee team who prepares daily system, cash, management fee and security reconcilement reports and guide on clearing outages, identifying common themes and work to lessen future breaks.
- Assist in oversight of department custodial and trading systems. Works closely with Operations team management and Director of Wealth Management Technology and Special Projects to:
- Review system releases and communicate relevant updates/changes to the teams
- Lead periodic brainstorming sessions on workflow topics
- Track vendor contracts
- Coordinate systemized front office training for new employees
- Targeted refresher courses on the above
- Contact for Operational related inquiries
- Assist Senior Operations and Reporting Manager with regulatory reporting, specifically 13F and ADV.
- In collaboration with Operations team management, develop and maintain internal metrics reporting including AUM, revenue receipts and projections and profitability.
- Responsible for oversight of asset movement and external trading team. This team is responsible for asset setup and transfers, charitable gifts of stock and trades directed by outside investment managers.
Essential Competencies:
- Proactively work with others to support efforts within Family Office Services, Operations and Reporting Services and the Firm.
- Organizes and prioritizes assignments and contributes to the department’s ability to meet or exceed goals and standards.
- Delegates, coaches, encourages, and motivates staff to attain their highest levels of achievement, productivity, and work satisfaction.
- Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments affecting the area of specialization.
- Uses innovative thinking and exercises sound judgment to achieve results.
Qualifications:
- Financial, accounting, or legal background including a related degree required.
- Strong understanding of security trading and transfers, trust accounting, income taxes and investments. Strong knowledge of ACAT and DTC systems required. Knowledge of RedBlack and Moxy a plus.
- Complex project management skills along with the ability to work on multiple teams and several projects at one time. Proven track record of success in leading projects to a successful completion under inflexible deadlines.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience working with high-net-worth clients required.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to draft complex reports and spreadsheets.
- Proficient user of all other MS Office Suite products. Adaptability to learn and become expert in new applications with limited formal training.
- Strong business acumen and leadership qualities, with the ability to work in a team environment.
To apply, please click here.
IP QC Paralegal
Under general supervision, the IP QC Paralegal is responsible for all activities involving quality assurance in the Intellectual Property practice group.
Job Functions:
- Review all electronic US and PCT application submissions.
- Review publications (US and PCT) and issued patents for errors.
- Review Notices of Allowance, electronic file wrappers and allowed claims to ensure allowed applications are fit for issuance.
- Review formality documents (Powers of Attorney, Declarations, Assignments and Small Entity Statements) for accuracy.
- Review executed Assignments and Cover Sheets for accuracy prior to recordation.
- Review daily USPTO correspondence against CPI to ensure data is accurate and deadlines are correctly docketed.
- Assist Client Service Team Managers with mentorship and training of client service team members.
- Assist QC Manager in the development of quality control procedures and checklists.
Essential Management Competencies:
- Works proactively with others to support efforts within the department to improve efficiency and add value.
- Maintains current knowledge and understanding of patent terminology and filing procedures including both US and foreign matters and knowledge and understanding of current USPTO rules and procedures (37 CFR).
Maintains active lines of communication to share knowledge and support collaborative efforts, organizational change, and goal achievement. - Utilizes innovative thinking and sound decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in domestic and foreign patent prosecution; prior docketing and/or QC experience preferred.
- Must be highly accurate, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under deadline driven pressures, while having good judgment as to when consultation is required.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Professional demeanor and presentation consistent with a professional office environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Working knowledge of docketing software, preferably CPi.
- Working knowledge of IPDAS preferred.
To apply, please click here.
Legal Assistant – Business & Technology (BTG) and Private Equity (PE)
Performs a broad range of administrative support for several Attorneys in the Business & Technology (BTG) and Private Equity (PE) practice groups. Responsibilities include supporting Attorneys with legal and administrative tasks, which include transactional work, document management, opening and closing of files, calendaring, time entry/billing, travel arrangements, meeting/conference scheduling and other special projects.
Job Functions:
- Provides highly technical document production including but not limited to typing, drafting and editing documents, dictation, redlining documents, conversion of documents from PDF to word, working on basic to highly complex Excel spreadsheets, creating or editing complex Power Point presentations, scanning, setting up closing binders and making copies.
- Understands legal terminology, basic legal procedure and document protocol. Has knowledge of legal document formats such as contracts, and agreements. Prepares correspondence, memos, and is highly skilled in styles, formatting and redlining documents. Maintains files and all client documentation. Works closely with Attorneys in preparing client presentations utilizing available technologies such as Power Point and Excel.
- Helps to submit time entries for their Attorneys in addition to organizing bills with their assigned billing coordinator.
- Utilizes strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure instructions are clearly understood and that requested work is completed. Maintains a courteous and service driven demeanor at all times.
- Maintains discretion and sound judgment when interacting with legal staff. Assumes a helpful, proactive and professional manner at all times and supports service standards as expected by the Firm.
- Brings expert organizational skills to the role with the ability to provide guidance on the most efficient and effective way to complete tasks. Takes lead on projects and is self-starter with work.
- Assumes accountability for all incoming and outgoing calls; answers phone, deals with routine inquires for both internal and external contacts; refers calls to other contacts as needed and takes thorough messages. Utilizes strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to ensure information is obtained and relayed in a professional manner. Maintains a courteous and service driven demeanor at all times.
- Maintains calendar and contact lists as requested. Arranges all aspects of both internal and external client meetings and conferences. Stays apprised of calendars and actively communicates changes or reminders as needed.
- Ensures a high level of service when interacting with clients and other related internal and external contacts. Maintains discretion and sound judgment when interacting with clients, both external and internal to the Firm. Assumes a helpful, proactive and professional manner at all times when dealing with both internal and external clients.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Essential Competencies:
- Works proactively with others to support efforts within the department.
- Organizes and prioritizes assignments and contributes to the department’s ability to meet or exceed goals and standards.
- Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments affecting the area of specialization.
- Uses innovative thinking and exercises sound judgment to achieve results.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma required, Bachelor's Degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of legal assistant experience supporting Corporate Attorneys.
- Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with time and billing software.
- Ability to build rapport with Attorneys and Business Professionals, including listening carefully to requests and asking questions when necessary.
- Demonstrated ability to balance client service while delivering high results and productivity.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive documents with the utmost confidentiality.
- Effective oral and writing communication skills with strong knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and legal terminology.
- Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to handle complex, multiple tasks for several individuals with different work styles. Openness to change pace quickly while maintaining organization and attention to detail.
- Reliable team player with a positive attitude and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as needed.
To apply, please click here.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner
Reporting to the Managing Director of Human Resources, the Senior Human Resources Business Partner will be responsible for providing comprehensive and proactive HR management support for designated departments. This individual will have day-to-day operational responsibility for a broad spectrum of HR issues including employee relations, employee engagement, performance management, training and development, recruitment, and HR process improvement. Specific responsibilities:
Job Functions:
- Partner with department management to align business and talent strategies. Establish positive working relationships, build morale, and increase retention.
- Maintain an effective level of knowledge about the assigned departments and understanding of their functions, workflow, goals, and objectives.
- Analyze and recommend appropriate staffing models to ensure the highest level of service to the Firm in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible.
- Provide employee relations counsel to management and employees. Facilitate problem resolution, offer performance improvement counsel and implementation of performance improvement plans.
- Manage and facilitate the annual performance evaluation process for assigned departments.
- Recommend changes to staff compensation based on performance levels and sound market data.
- Prepare responses to various salary surveys.
- Plan, implement and administer an effective staffing and recruiting program.
- Analyze training needs for department employees. Develop and implement training plans to meet needs.
- Work with managers to implement and lead initiatives related to employee engagement and employee development.
- Assist the HR Team in aligning HR strategy and programming with Firm and department specific strategy.
- Analyze HR operations and recommend improvements in systems and process.
- Review, develop, and enhance policies and procedures to effectively support the Firm and its employees.
- Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and implementing applicable Human Resources federal and state requirements.
- Participate in special projects on an as needed basis.
Essential Management Competencies:
- Uses leadership skills to establish effective working relationships, encourage teamwork, and build consensus to meet or exceed project standards and Firm objectives.
- Maintains active lines of communication within and between departments to share knowledge and support collaborative efforts, organizational change, and goal achievement.
- Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments affecting the project and utilizes innovative thinking, creativity, and sound decision-making to ensure the highest level of achievement, productivity, and work satisfaction.
- Manages change occurring within the department and collaborates with other members of management to ensure organizational change is effective, efficient, and aligned with the Firm’s strategic goals.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- PHR or SPHR certification preferred.
- 8+ years Human Resource Generalist experience, with a minimum of 5 years at the management or business partner level.
- Strong knowledge of legal issues and compliance in the workplace.
- Proven ability to partner with departmental managers/supervisors and senior management.
- Demonstrated ability to organize work and set priorities to meet deadlines while working independently.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- Professional demeanor and presentation consistent with a professional office environment.
- Proven ability to provide superior client service to internal and external constituents.
- Ability to handle confidential information and deal with sensitive issues in a discreet and ethical manner.
- Reliable team-player with a positive attitude and demonstrated commitment to providing superior client service.
- Strong technical skills in Microsoft Office. Experience with HRIS required.
To apply, please click here.