Client: law firm
Location: on-site 3 days a week in Greensboro or Raleigh
Job Type: full-time/permanent
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Legal Operations Practice Group Manager is accountable for the day-to-day management and oversight of assigned attorney practice groups. This key leadership role drives operational excellence, compliance and business growth leading teams through change, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to inspire and develop others.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Productivity & Capacity Management
- Manage productivity and oversee timekeeper performance to optimize resource allocation and support operational goals.
- Conduct regular capacity assessments and case list reviews to support effective work allocation and staffing decisions.
- Case Quality & Compliance
- Partner with the Audit team to monitor and enhance case quality, ensuring adherence to firm standards and compliance requirements.
- Support adherence to compliance, including Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCG) for billings and status reporting, draft bill reviews, and budget completion.
- Ensure compliance with document management policies and support training reinforcement and ongoing professional development.
- Attorney Engagement & Performance
- Conduct routine check-ins with attorneys to monitor progress, provide support, and address performance issues.
- Manage onboarding and departures, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with firm policies.
- Provide full oversight of all performance management processes, including performance improvement plans and facilitating year-end evaluations.
- Training & Reinforcement
- Analyze attorney performance data to identify skill gaps and training needs; then address those gaps through individualized coaching or by leveraging firm-wide resources.
- Communications & Business Support
- Facilitate effective practice group communications, including meetings, updates, and dissemination of key information.
- Oversee client communications and reporting, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of information.
- Serve as a liaison with administrative leaders to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and resolve operational issues.
- Act as a business sponsor/representative for projects impacting attorneys and legal operations, driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
- Leadership Responsibilities
- Cultivate trust and collaboration across practice groups and with administrative leaders, attorneys, and external partners.
- Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences; facilitate open dialogue and provide constructive feedback.
- Coach, mentor, and develop team members, promoting a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Leverage data and sound judgment to drive decisions, solve problems, and measure performance.
- Foster collaboration by constructively navigating conflicts and mediating disputes to build consensus and sustain a positive, productive work environment.
- Change Management & Leadership
- Lead teams through organizational change, process optimization, and technology adoption, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation.
- Encourage ongoing professional development for self and team.
- Stay current with industry trends and best practices and apply learnings to improve operations.
- Technology & Process Optimization
- Business representative for procurement, development, implementation, and optimization for any attorney-facing technology platforms (e.g., case management/matter management, knowledge management, CRM, document management, etc.).
- Lead initiatives to automate workflows, streamline processes, and drive innovation (including leveraging AI or analytics tools).
- Use data to track KPIs, measure performance, and inform decision-making.
- Strategic & Collaborative Contributions
- Participate in the development and execution of the firm's strategic and business plans.
- Contribute to staffing assessments to support attorney recruitment and retention efforts.
- Support business development initiatives and practice group expansion strategies.
- EXPERIENCE/REQUIREMENTS:
- 5+ years management experience with demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams.
- Proven experience managing change, building cross-functional relationships, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.
- Experienced working knowledge and abilities with project management, change management, and process improvement.
- 4‐year degree required
- 5 years' progressive expertise in related area required; experience leading company‐wide initiatives within a multi‐office setting, preferably in a professional services firm environment.
- Working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel required; experience in SharePoint and/or Power BI an asset.
