Dawn Willingham

About Dawn Willingham

I bring extensive experience in legal billing, with a comprehensive understanding of most industry-standard practices. My expertise includes LEDES formatting, ABA task-based and activity code billing, as well as alternative fee arrangements such as fixed fee, transactional, contingency, patent application, and foreign associate billing.Technical SkillsI am proficient in a wide range of billing and accounting systems, including Expert Sierra, Elite, CMS, LawTime, Rippe Kingston (AS400), LMS, Carpe Diem, and Omega. Additionally, I am highly skilled in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel. My Excel expertise encompasses pivot tables, range names, advanced formulas, tables, charts, logical functions, conditional formatting, and V/H lookups.Industry ExperienceI have significant knowledge and hands-on experience across diverse law practice areas, including but not limited to:Commercial Business LitigationEntertainmentCorporateIntellectual PropertyTaxationInsurance DefensePro Bono WorkBankruptcyLabor & EmploymentBankingHealthcareCore CompetenciesI excel in most aspects of law firm accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, collections, and client trust accounting. I am also well-versed in fostering operational efficiency and maintaining compliance with client requirements to ensure seamless billing processes.AchievementsOver the course of my career, I have demonstrated a commitment to driving operational excellence and providing exceptional support to legal teams and clients, ensuring alignment with firm objectives and client expectations.

Experience

1. Director of Billing & Client Relations

   Michelman Robinson

   Jan 2021 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Leadership and Team ManagementHire, train, supervise, evaluate, and motivate the billing and client relations team.Establish strategic goals and objectives for the department to align with firm-wide priorities.Foster a positive and collaborative team culture that supports continuous improvement in productivity, efficiency, and morale.Operational OversightTake ownership of the client billing and collections process, ensuring a successful monthly close cycle.Establish and enforce robust controls to maintain the quality, integrity, and timeliness of the billing process.Drive the implementation of best practices for billing and collection procedures across the firm.Oversee special billing projects and other assignments as needed.Training and DevelopmentEnsure attorneys, legal assistants, and other staff receive appropriate training on billing procedures, policies, and tools.Develop and maintain procedural manuals to support consistency and accuracy in billing practices.Client Relations and CommunicationAct as a credible liaison, effectively interacting with attorneys, administrative peers, and clients.Research, respond to, and resolve inquiries related to billing and collections promptly and accurately.Strategic Collaboration and ConfidentialityWork closely with the CFO and Director of Finance and Accounting to identify and address risks and concerns affecting the firm.Present data-driven insights and potential areas for improvement to leadership.Ensure strict confidentiality in all aspects of client and firm-related matters.

Education

• The University of Arizona Global Campus

  Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Accounting and Finance

  2016 — 2020

Skills

• Account Reconciliation
• Client Billing
• Legal Solutions
• Westlaw
• Invoicing
• Administrative Assistance
• Accounts Receivable
• Outlook
• Administrative Assistants
• Management
• E-Invoicing
• Microsoft Word
• Tymetrix
• Litigation
• Billing Systems
• Spreadsheets
• Serengeti
• Microsoft Office
• Analysis
• Elite Webview
• Accounting
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel