Manager, Legal Department Operations - Denver

Location: Denver (Hybrid)
Compensation: $85,000 – $130,000 annually, plus comprehensive benefits

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Manager of Legal Department Operations to work closely with firm leadership across multiple legal departments and industry groups. This role plays a critical part in supporting the strategic, financial, and operational functions that drive the delivery of high-quality legal services.

The Manager will act as a bridge between practice leadership and administrative teams—including Finance, HR, Recruiting, and Professional Development—to ensure efficient operations, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with the firm’s long-term business objectives. This is a highly visible position offering a unique vantage point into the inner workings of a top-tier law firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with department and industry leadership to design and implement efficient operational procedures, improving overall workflow, structure, and communication within the department.

• Collaborate with practice group leaders to support strategic planning initiatives, including setting departmental goals and tracking progress against firm objectives.

• Develop and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual reports highlighting key performance metrics, financial data, and progress toward strategic priorities.

• Lead and support short-term and long-term operational projects, ensuring timely execution and measurable outcomes.

• Manage budget preparation and financial analysis, providing actionable insights to department and industry leadership.

• Oversee onboarding, integration, and offboarding processes for attorneys and professional staff.

• Maintain accurate operational dashboards and key performance metrics to support data-driven decisions.

• Coordinate agendas, track action items, and produce minutes for department meetings and retreats.

• Serve as a liaison between the legal department and administrative support functions, ensuring collaboration across finance, HR, recruiting, and training teams.

• Collaborate effectively within a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary team, maintaining strong communication and consistency across offices.

• Establish project management standards, providing consistent progress updates and reports across initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 5 years of relevant experience in business, financial, or operational analysis, consulting, or a related field.

• Demonstrated interest in building a career in legal operations or professional services management.

• Understanding of business and financial concepts; prior experience in the legal industry is a plus.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, taking ownership of projects and delivering high-quality results.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with legal research or document management tools such as iManage preferred.

• Detail-oriented and adaptable, with the ability to shift focus between tasks as workflow demands evolve.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary range of $85,000 – $130,000, commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and sick leave

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance

• Identity theft protection

• Parking or transit reimbursement (location dependent)

• Employee assistance program

• Referral and professional development programs