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.

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.

Trading Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Portfolio Analytics & Trading, this position will provide support for trading and order execution functions within Choate Investment Advisors.

Job Functions:

  • The Trading Specialist is responsible for the efficient, accurate and timely execution of individual equities, fixed income and mutual fund/ETF trades across multiple custodial platforms through our portfolio management and trading systems.
  • Monitor and manage order entry and flow to optimize execution and minimize risk.
  • Review, settle and reconcile information on executed trades and corporate actions before market open to ensure accuracy and consistency between our order management systems and custodial platforms. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies quickly by coordinating with internal parties, technology providers, brokers and custodians as needed.  
  • Assist with workflows to manage custodian and client-specific constraints, including asset- or portfolio-level restrictions and availability of securities on various custodial platforms.
  • Develop and maintain strong broker assessments and relationships to ensure high-quality execution services. Monitor trade performance and perform periodic review of qualitative and quantitative elements of broker performance as part of the firm’s best execution efforts.
  • Continuously monitor firmwide trading practices and related workflows, and proactively identify areas for improvement. Create, maintain, and follow strict internal processes to increase accuracy & efficiency and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Perform regular intelligence gathering: seek out relevant research/information on investments, trading technologies and new industry trends. Socialize findings with investment and operations teams.

Essential Competencies:

  • Experience working with multiple custodians (ideally SEI, Fidelity, and/or Schwab) and familiarity with order management/trading systems (including RedBlack, Moxy, and BondDesk) preferred.
  • Superior communication skills and organizational skills. Proactive and collaborative team player – asking questions in order to grow in a results-oriented environment.
  • Quality assurance: strong work ethic, problem solving skills, and attention to detail. Process-driven mindset, placing emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and documentation.
  • Deep sense of curiosity: open-minded and eager to learn the “why” behind their work. Seeks a deeper understanding of the overall business, new industry trends, and all workflows connected to trading and portfolio management.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience with security processing required.
  • Superior knowledge of all aspects of security trading.
  • Familiarity with basic investing, tax and estate planning concepts.

To apply, please click here.

Senior Research Librarian

The Senior Research Librarian provides reference, research and reader services to attorneys and staff and oversees and implements interlibrary loan procedures. Oversees and implements the library’s acquisition, cataloging, circulation, and routing systems to provide easy accessibility to all library resources. The Senior Research Librarian provides excellent service to our clients in a setting where individual productivity and cost management are highly valued. This individual contributes to Knowledge Management initiatives for the firm.

Job Functions:

  • Maintains current awareness of new products, developments and standards in technical services and library technology.

  • Creates documentation and instructs staff on automated systems, new technology and technical service procedures.

  • Catalogs and maintains an accurate and current record of the library collection.

  • Facilitates access to electronic resources, including password management.

  • Works to identify and maximize available resources to provide statistics, uninterrupted service, and the latest enhancements.

  • Works with Senior Library Services Manager to ensure department invoices are paid on time.

  • Develops and executes custom procedures and reports as requested.

  • Serves as the library’s technical liaison with vendors and the Firm’s IT Department.

  • Maintains library applications and online resources.

  • Collaborates with Senior Library Services Manager to design knowledge management processes to help better serve the firm.

  • Provides legal and non-legal reference and research services by searching internal and external collections, conducting computerized searches, interlibrary loan, and document retrieval.

  • Ensures the accurate and timely delivery of information resources to attorneys and clients.

  • Recommends the acquisition of resources to enhance and maintain the library collection and services.

  • Participates in library and knowledge management training programs for attorneys and staff.

  • Assists in the development of library policies and procedures.

  • Supervises library operations in absence of Senior Library Services Manager.

  • Performs general library duties and participates in special projects as needed.

  • Works proactively with the Senior Library Services Manager and with other departments of the Firm in an effort to continually improve library services.

Essential Management Competencies:

  • Maintains active lines of communication within and between departments to share knowledge and support collaborative efforts, organizational change, and goal achievement.

  • 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 department and the Firm.

  • Uses innovative thinking and exercises sound judgment to achieve results.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an A.L.A.-accredited library school or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of two years' research experience in a law firm or corporate library.
  • Expertise with computer-based research tools, including but not limited to:  Lexis AI, Bloomberg Law, PacerPro, VitalLaw, Lexis Search Advantage, Lex Machina, Intelligize, Capital IQ, PACER, HeinOnline, efileMA and more.
  • Experience managing integrated library systems and performing and managing all aspects of technical services.
  • Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team.
  • Practical working knowledge of Knowledge Management methods and best practices is preferred.
  • Strong overall technical aptitude including knowledge of integrated library systems, online research services, e-mail, and all MS Office applications.
  • Proven ability to set priorities and complete diverse assignments on a timely basis.
  • Superior oral and written communication skills.

To apply, please click here.