Responsibilities:

• Handle queries from secretarial staff/fee earners regarding client payment status upon request
• Send unpaid bills listing to secretarial staff/fee earners on requested basis
• Assist in monthly reports (debt & provision summary, WIP balances, etc) for Hong Kong to management
• Make telephone call to clients, send reminders for bills recovery
• Review and clear long aging disbursement/WIP/unpaid bills/client money
• Work closely with fee earners on dispute resolution
• Other duties as appointed by the line manager

Requirements:

• University graduate processes Accounting degree or equivalent qualification
• At least 5 years relevant experience working independently with an multicultural environment
• Mix of supervisory and hands-on skill required
• Good command of written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin)
• Proficient in PC operations, MS Office applications, Chinese Word Processing
• Strong numerical sense, efficient and work well with all level of people
• Initiative, highly driven and organized

Requirements:

• Diploma or above in Accounting or related discipline  
• At least 3 years relevant experience in sizable companies or professional services industry
• Good command in both English and Chinese languages
• Proficient in using MS applications especially in Excel and accounting software, preferably has experience with 3E system
• Attention to detail, organized, hardworking, responsible, self-motivated and able to work under pressure
• Immediately available

The Application Specialist will assist the Information System management team to provide technical, procedural and process support for business applications by analysing business requirements and developing solutions for the firm.  We are looking for candidate with 5+ years of experience in development and supporting applications.

Candidate with less experience will be considered for the Application Engineer position.

The job duties initially include but not limited to the following:

Support:
• Provide 3rd level product/application support for business applications including document management, email management, practice management, knowledge management, CRM and intranet.
• Investigate application issues and engage internal teams and/or third party vendors as appropriate to ensure resolution is reached
• Collaborate with IT help desk, infrastructure team and application team to exercise support processes
• Participate in incident and problem management process

Analysis/Development:
• Develop product requirements and functional requirements for new functionalities to meet user requirements
• Provides business analysis of problems and new requests
• Produce solutions which provide good user interface and user experience
• Work with business users to understand workflow processes to ensure implementation of developed changes satisfy stated needs
• Work with colleagues and business users to develop requirements for new products and services
• Analyse and assess existing system capabilities and requirements, identify areas for system / application improvement and make recommendations for modifications and / or upgrades

Development Skills:
• Solid knowledge of MS SQL programming
• Good knowledge of desktop products especially from Microsoft and how to leverage these to their full advantage
• Experience of working with Office macro, template and code

Other:
• Manage all documentation in relation to the above duties
• Other duties may be directed by the management team from time to time

Qualifications:
• Law firm experience desirable but not essential
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline
• Strong knowledge of IT systems, Microsoft Windows based applications
• Established experience in diagnosing and resolving technical problems
• Hands on experience in process automation, best practice approach, technology efficiency and effectiveness
• Able to work in a project environment and meet tight deadlines
• Good communication and documentation skills
• Self-motivated and detail oriented

The Manager of HR Operations is an operational, generalist HR role. The key accountabilities of the role include:

Leadership and management of the HR function

• Delivery of an efficient, effective and compliant HR operation
• Advising on people management and retention
• Remuneration and benefits
• Employment conditions, contracts and policies
• Project work

The overall purpose of the role is to deliver an efficient operational human resource management service to partners, managers and staff in Hong Kong and PRC offices. To lead the Human Resources function with a tailored approach to deliver HR operational objectives in line with the firm’s Practice Group and Business Services needs and objectives. To provide solutions to main stakeholders as well as support, advice and guidance to the firm in addressing its people-related business matters.

Key Accountabilities

Leadership

• Manage the firm’s HR operations and to ensure they are conducted according to firm guidelines
• Responsible for the delivery and execution of remuneration reviews, performance reviews, reporting to Law Society and other, compliance relating to HR
• To take active part in the senior Business Services management team and providing input and support on HR related matters as well as taking part in projects identified by the group/DOO
• Ensure an efficient, effective, responsive and solutions oriented HR service
• Deliver practical, cost effective solutions to people issues
• Manage the HR team to ensure a quality service is provided and tailored to Practice Group requirements; set service standards and monitor performance. Develop and engage HR staff
• Setting and managing the HR budget, together with DOO

Recruitment and utilisation

• Supervise the recruitment team in the development and implementation of recruitment programs, paralegals, secretarial and business services staff. Active participation in recruitment at senior level as required by the practice
• Develop, maintain and refine recruitment systems, processes and procedures
• Employment conditions, contracts and firm policies
• Continue to develop competitive and compliant employment conditions and contracts
• Maintaining knowledge of market conditions and benefits
• Develop HR policies, procedures, processes and systems for the firm
• Ensuring Joiner and Exit Interview information is conducted and briefing Partners and Managers as appropriate
• Ensuring Partners, Managers and staff are aware of and understand firm policies, advising Partners and Managers correctly as to appropriate policy entitlements
• Assisting in managing the firm’s risk in relation to these policies by being aware of issues ‘on the floor’ and advising Partners on how to resolve them
• Regularly review and seek to streamline low level process work for the HR Team
• Set and manage the HR budget

Remuneration/Recognition

• Responsible for the Payroll function which sits within HR
• Manage the remuneration review process. Ensuring accuracy of all lawyer and support staff information provided to Partners
• Provide advice to Partners and Business Services Heads on salary bands, peer bands, equity of remuneration for lawyers and support staff

Key Relationships

• DOO, partners, Heads of PGs, Heads of Business Services

Qualifications

• A graduate degree
• Formal qualifications in human resource management, education, psychology and development or a business related discipline would be an advantage

Knowledge

• Minimum eight years previous experience in a human resource management position or equivalent; At least three years as a senior HR business partner is required as is experience across the range of HR functions such as Talent management, comp and bens, L&D, recruitment, policy and HR administration
• Experience from a law firm would be an advantage
• Strong knowledge of HK and PRC employment laws
• Fluency in spoken and written Cantonese is required as is excellent written and spoken English communication skills; Mandarin would be advantageous
• Experience with an HRIS system
• Understanding of Chinese business cultures would be ideal

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent understanding of operational HR and demonstrated experience in applying skills;
• Analytical skills and ability to present a logical argument;
• Sensitivity to cultural issues;
• Influencing skills, commercial understanding and ability to demonstrate the “bottom line” impact of HR initiatives;
• High level of computer literacy including use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong administrative and project management skills;
• People skills - must be able to liaise with all levels of staff;
• Management skills – proven experience of managing a team
• Self-motivated, tenacious and service orientated; practical and action orientated with a can-do attitude;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure; ability to work independently;
• Resilience and comfortable with ambiguity

Deacons has an exciting opening for an experienced and enthusiastic Business Developmentprofessionalwho is ready to be challenged. Working closely with partners and other key members of the team, you will play a fundamental role in delivering BD and marketing support to our practice groups.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Business Development and Marketing and will work closely with the wider BD team in order to deliver integrated marketing solutions.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 

Pitches, proposals and tenders:

• Work with partners and other legal teams in accordance with the pitch process, developing key messages for pitches and other promotional documents
• Update and maintain pitch support material including standard pitch templates, standard materials such as executive summaries, standard capability statements and other standard wording
• Update and maintain database of pitches/tenders submitted, a deals database and matter highlights, client referee database, awards, recognition and quotes
• Update and maintain professional profiles for all fee-earners including developing edited or tailor-made versions as required
• Prepare client intelligence reports to assist in preparing more tailored proposals

Key client activities:

• Support the development of key client relationships, working with partners to identify potential growth clients
• Keep abreast of news and developments regarding key clients, maintaining relevant data and updating the partners to enable better client service and pro-active identification of business opportunities
• Undertake key client and market research and analysis including other clients of the firm
• Identify and co-ordinate cross-selling opportunities with other practice areas, connecting the dots between clients’ business needs and firm’s offering
• Lead the practice group in maintaining and enriching contact information and marketing lists through our firm wide CRM

Marketing communications:

• Work with the Partners and BD team on any media and PR opportunities
• Support production and development of internal and external updates, including website content and other legal publications
• Help maintain database of key promotional material for the individual practice groups including preparation of promotion/information packs for meetings and business trips
• Handle legal directory submissions process including liaising with the Marketing & Communications Manager and the relevant legal publications, managing deadlines, preparing first drafts of entries/submissions and submissions for other surveys and awards
• Manage mailing and event invitation lists. Provide advice on target clients, invitations and programmes
• Plan and support seminars and events, external conferences, client meetings and client entertainment, and liaising with the events team, clients and industry groups where necessary
• Post-conference support including maintenance of conference programmes and delegate information, capturing data on potential contacts and follow-up  
• Identify relevant networking and sponsorship opportunities for partners and associates

Requirements:

• University degree, with 6+ years’ of marketing or business development work experience
• A knowledge or work experience in the professional services industry is desirable
• Fluent English language speaking and writing skills are required
• Possess Chinese writing skills are desirable
• Think creatively and has enthusiasm to perform the job at a high level
• Able to work under pressure and deliver on tight deadlines
• Can collaborate comfortably with partners and team members both inside and outside of the firm
• Strong project management skills, laser-like attention to detail and a focus on efficiency
• Self-starter, proactive and able to work on own initiatives with minimal supervision
• Experience of working in a professional services firm would be an advantage
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)
• Given the nature of the role, candidates must have a willingness to work irregular hours if and when required
• Candidate with less experience will be considered as Business Development Executive

Reporting to the Head of Business Development and Marketing, the Communications Manager will be responsible for the delivery, management and execution of high-impact content marketing and public relations activities that support the Firm’s strategy. S/He will be responsible for developing relevant and engaging content for company website and social media platforms, drafting communications materials and collaterals for external and internal audiences, serving as key project manager on multiple initiatives simultaneously, and educating internal stakeholders on communications best practices. The candidate must be a self-starter, exceptional writer, critical thinker and team player with strong communication, organizational and management skills.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Content Marketing and SEO

• Planning and executing brand-consistent original content for internal and external communications channels for marketing, brand building and engagement purpose
• Work with creative and events teams to produce compelling visual and video promotional materials and collaterals with proficient copywriting
• Periodically conduct keyword research and use SEO best practices to increase traffic to the firm’s website
• Edit and optimize existing content with best SEO practices to improve readability

Communications and Public Relations

• Support the business development team on major pursuits and business development activities
• Oversee and develop submission strategy for all legal directories and awards opportunities, and coordinate related activities, including calendar, timelines, templates, and process documents for all submissions
• Oversee and develop crisis management and other key communications projects
• On-going promotion of the firm’s accomplishments across all channels
• Ensure all marketing communications initiatives are integrated and optimised across all channels and supports the overall firmwide goals, strategy, values and brand
• Oversee production, coordination and proof reading all marketing materials including brochures, technical guides, legal briefings, newsletter campaigns, capability descriptions, bios, press releases and other collaterals
• Keep up to date with trends in the market to proactively look for opportunities for campaigns and suggest to partners
• Manage relationship with external agency and vendors professionally and with high efficiency in delivering results
• Be the first port of call for media enquiries and build relationships with key target trade and national press and help spokespeople build and maintain their relationships
• Ensuring communications are consistent with Deacons’ editorial style guide
• Custodian and brand ambassador of the Deacons corporate identity
• Overall editor of our internal and external communications platforms and channels
• Conduct marketing communications training internally for lawyers (e.g. media relations, social media, effective writing)

• Prepare reports and measurements evaluating the effectiveness of each assigned communications and content marketing campaigns, within which to derive useful market insights

Key skills and requirements
The successful candidate will be tenacious, and must have the ability to advise, persuade and influence senior partners.

• Degree educated; further professional qualification would be advantageous
• Eight or more years’ relevant experience (preferably in professional services)
• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English and Chinese is essential
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to create clear and concise messages intended for a sophisticated business and legal audience
• Project management skills, with ability to take initiative, set priorities and see projects through to completion
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Build effective working relationships and communicate effectively within the team and with partners across different practice areas
• Have a confident and diplomatic style with the ability to influence partners
• Agile working to respond to changing priorities and juggle high volume and working under pressure