Legal Support Operations Manager

2 weeks ago


Palo Alto, California, United States Skadden Arps Slate Meagher and Flom LLP Full time

We encourage you to explore our current openings for professional staff to discover the various opportunities available within our firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (Skadden) is renowned as one of the leading law firms globally. Our commitment to innovation, intellect, teamwork, and determination allows our attorneys to provide top-tier advice and creative solutions to our clients' legal challenges. We are recognized as a global leader in complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters, fostering open and collaborative relationships with our clients. Our diverse team of attorneys collaborates seamlessly across over 50 practices and 21 offices in major financial hubs worldwide.

The Opportunity

We are in search of a mid-level Legal Support Operations Manager to join our firm. This role will be situated in our Palo Alto office. The Legal Support Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily functions of the Legal Assistant and Secretarial Departments, which includes staff management, training and development, organizational planning, and process enhancement. Additional responsibilities involve collaborating with firm management across various offices to support department-wide initiatives and staffing requirements. The Legal Support Operations Manager:

  • Evaluates, assigns, manages, trains, and schedules personnel in the Legal Assistant and Secretarial Departments.
  • Coordinates and supervises daily operations, task assignments, and workflow within the relevant departments.
  • Consults with attorneys to develop departmental assessment strategies ensuring effective daily and long-term workflow and assignments for attorney/secretarial teams.
  • Continuously monitors individual and departmental utilization and productivity.
  • Collaborates with department managers in the Palo Alto office to enhance the overall operational effectiveness of relevant departments.
  • Engages with attorneys regularly to assess work patterns and operational support necessary for new cases and overall case management.
  • Consults frequently with the Office Administrative Director and the Chief of Legal Assistant Services Department, along with other senior managers, to create and implement team programs and initiatives, as well as to discuss employee performance.
  • Provides leadership and ongoing professional development guidance and mentorship, including the advancement of training initiatives.
  • Works alongside peer managers in Legal Assistant and Secretarial Services departments, along with the Palo Alto management team, to boost departmental efficiency, enhance employee knowledge and skills, improve leadership, and maintain high service standards for attorneys and clients.
  • Assists in the formulation of annual departmental budgets and monitors them throughout the year.
  • Collaborates with the Palo Alto Office Administrative Director and Human Resources Manager to develop and implement organizational development, performance, and management training programs.
  • Partners with Human Resources on recruitment for positions within relevant departments, providing feedback on candidates as part of the recruitment process.
  • Ensures staff are well-informed of firm policies and practices, industry trends, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Effectively utilizes the firm's performance management system to communicate expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and address performance issues.
  • Oversees employee performance and provides guidance in resolving issues.
  • Initiates disciplinary actions in conjunction with the Human Resources Department.
  • Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports for accuracy and compliance with firm policies.
  • Recommends practices to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, customer service, and employee relations, in alignment with the firm's core values.
  • Develops and communicates departmental policies and procedures.
  • Ensures timely and accurate responses to requests for departmental services.
  • Demonstrates strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to foster effective working relationships.
  • Manages firm resources judiciously.
  • Complies with and understands firm operations, policies, and procedures.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Current knowledge of law firm administration and departmental trends and techniques.
  • Understanding of firm operations, policies, and procedures.
  • Familiarity with litigation matters and corporate transactions, including litigation support/legal technology experience.
  • Proven experience in leading and supervising teams, employing effective coaching and problem-solving techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, coordinate, and implement projects, processes, and change management initiatives.
  • Strong technological proficiency, including MS Word, advanced Excel, PowerPoint, and project management/database applications.
  • Knowledge of relevant firm software programs (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with the ability to learn new software and systems.
  • Experience with the annual budget process.
  • Exhibits effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Displays meticulous attention to detail.
  • Possesses excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills.
  • Ability to administer firm policies and procedures.
  • Capable of managing multiple projects and shifting priorities.
  • Ability to handle sensitive matters with confidentiality.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work and delegate effectively.
  • Ability to thrive in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
  • Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.
  • Flexibility to adjust hours and work as necessary to meet operational and business needs.
Education and Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant administrative management experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
  • At least 10 years of leadership experience in a professional services setting.
  • Bachelor's degree required.
Culture & Life at Skadden
What sets Skadden apart is our people and the culture, community, and collaborative spirit we have cultivated. We believe in teamwork and motivating one another to excel in an environment that fosters professionalism and excellence in all our endeavors. We recognize that inclusion, equity, and leveraging a diverse range of talents enhance our effectiveness and are crucial to the firm's success. Our aim is for everyone at the firm to experience a rewarding career with opportunities for growth and development while supporting the well-being of our attorneys and professional staff.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is a priority for us. We provide generous benefits to support wellness in all aspects of life.
  • Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k), and voluntary benefits.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Paid leave options, including parental leave.
  • In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
  • Robust well-being programs and classes.
  • Opportunities to contribute to local communities and make a positive impact.
For further details, please visit our website.

Salary Details
$165,000 - $180,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to an equal employment opportunity policy that prohibits discriminatory practices or harassment against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor, including but not limited to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact our Human Resources department.

Skadden EEO and Affirmative Action Policy

Skadden EEO and Affirmative Action Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

In accordance with the Transparency in Coverage Rule,

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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