Legal Operations Manager

Purpose of the Job:

The Legal Operations Manager plays a critical role in driving the efficiency, scalability, and performance of legal service delivery across the firm. This role strategically manages the systems, tools, and workflows that support attorneys and legal support teams, ensuring seamless and compliant operations. The Legal Operations Manager partners closely with Learning & Development and firm leadership to translate operational data into actionable business insights, optimize resource utilization, and improve legal team performance firmwide.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership & Standardization
• Lead the design, refinement, and implementation of standardized workflows, procedures, and best practices across legal support teams and practice areas.
• Ensure operational consistency and adherence to firmwide quality standards.
2. Performance Management & Analytics
• Analyze productivity and performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Learning & Development to integrate operational insights into training and onboarding programs.
• Oversee team performance accountability and alignment with firm goals.
3. Workflow Oversight & Resource Optimization
• Monitor workload distribution, task delegation, and workflow efficiency across paralegals, legal secretaries, and legal nurse consultants.
• Oversee daily operational activities, including tool management, data quality, and troubleshooting.
4. Matter Management
• Manage legal matter workflows from intake through resolution, ensuring timely handling and compliance with client and firm standards.
• Maintain consistency in matter processing and documentation procedures.
5. Technology & Systems Management
• Oversee legal systems and databases such as expert witness repositories, trial trackers, litigation checklists, and resource hubs.
• Ensure accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of legal data firmwide.
• Collaborate with IT and vendors to maintain and enhance legal technology solutions that improve efficiency and visibility.
6. Records Management & Compliance
• Manage the end-to-end records management lifecycle to ensure compliance with firm retention policies, client requirements, and data privacy regulations.
• Support system updates, integrations, and improvements to streamline firmwide access to records and operational data.
7. Vendor & Technology Partner Oversight
• Coordinate the selection, onboarding, and performance evaluation of third-party service providers.
• Ensure all vendor relationships are cost-effective and strategically aligned with firm operations.
8. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that track workload, utilization, matter status, and overall operational performance.
• Identify trends and opportunities to continuously enhance legal operations and service delivery.

Required Qualifications:

1. Education
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Paralegal certification or equivalent experience a plus.
2. Experience
• 7 years of experience in legal operations, project management, or litigation support within a law firm or corporate legal department.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements and technology solutions in a legal or professional services environment.
3. Skills
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in legal systems such as iManage, Aderant, or SharePoint.
• Deep understanding of data privacy, records retention, and compliance standards.
• Ability to collaborate across operations, technology, and learning functions.
• Proven track record of driving measurable performance improvements.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to remain seated for extended periods while using a computer.
2. Frequent communication with attorneys, staff, and vendors via phone, email, and virtual meetings.
3. Occasional lifting of files or materials up to 20 pounds.

Performance Measures:

1. Goals
• Improved workflow efficiency and matter turnaround time across practice groups.
• Increased compliance and accuracy in operational data and records.
• Enhanced visibility and accountability through reporting and metrics.
2. Competencies
• Strategic and process-driven mindset.
• Strong collaboration and leadership across departments.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Working Conditions:

1. Standard office environment with frequent interaction across departments and with external vendors.
2. Occasional after-hours availability to support firmwide projects or system updates.