Job Summary:
The Legal Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational, financial, and technological functions of the legal department to ensure efficiency, compliance, and strategic alignment with firm objectives. This role manages legal vendors, budgets, technology platforms, and internal processes, while driving innovation and continuous improvement across legal operations. The manager serves as a key liaison between legal, finance, IT, and other departments to optimize service delivery and support the firm's legal and business goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary.
- Manage legal department operations including budgeting, forecasting, and spend analysis.
- Oversee legal technology platforms (e.g., e-billing, matter management, contract lifecycle management).
- Lead vendor management activities including onboarding, performance tracking, and fee negotiations.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to improve legal workflows.
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics.
- Support knowledge management initiatives and internal communications.
- Coordinate cross-functional projects involving legal, finance, compliance, and IT teams.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, data privacy, and regulatory requirements.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to legal operations staff.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong project management and process improvement skills.
- Proficiency in legal operations tools and platforms (e.g., Legal Tracker, SimpleLegal, Ironclad).
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.
- Familiarity with legal billing, budgeting, and vendor performance metrics.
- Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and operational excellence.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Legal Studies, Finance, or related field (MBA or JD preferred).
- 5-8 years of experience in legal operations, project management, or law firm administration.
- Experience in a law firm or corporate legal department strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Frequently required to talk or hear, and use hand to type, handle, or touch objects.
- Regularly required to stand and walk, and may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.
Work Environment:
The position is primarily an office-based position with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement.
Schedule:
Monday - Friday, flexible hours available between 7am-5pm CST
