About The Position
This position will report to the Senior Manager, Legal Operations and will supervise the paralegals. This position is responsible for supporting the Senior Manager, Legal Operations in providing high levels of service and support to the department by the supervision of the paralegal team, policy management and project management of departmental initiatives. The Manager will be a co-leader with the Senior Manager. Legal Operations to run the Legal Department. The Manager will co-lead in enhancing the efficiency, organization, and automation of legal processes across several areas in collaboration with the Legal Team and other departments. The Manager will demonstrate and maintain a collaborative environment to develop and coach paralegals, will serve as a liaison between the paralegals and attorneys, and will be responsible for coordinating and monitoring the workflow within work groups. In addition to staff management, this position will be responsible for assisting in recruiting, hiring and training new paralegals. The Manager will conduct semi-annual and annual evaluations, hold regular meetings with each paralegal direct report, assist in resolving personnel or disciplinary issues, and ensure compliance with Company policies and applicable laws. The Manager also provides and promotes ongoing training and professional development for the paralegals. Legal Operations Paralegal Manager will balance these broad and diverse supervisory responsibilities while also continuing to function as an exceptionally high performing paralegal.
Key responsibilities include:
Co-lead department operations with Senior Manager, Legal Operations.
Manage paralegals; ensure their work meets requirements and is delivered within timeframes set by management.
Assist Senior Manager and attorneys with project oversight, including coordinating interaction with cross-functional teams and performing internal liaison functions.
Provide a high level of expertise in assisting Ameren Legal Department within their function.
Act as a resource for coworkers with less experience.
Serve as initial point of contact for routine and moderately complex legal matters.
Research and gather information for the preparation of function-related documents. Obtain and organize legal documents.
Participate in projects in the Ameren Legal Department, taking the lead on ones of a routine nature.
Assist attorneys with legal hold and eDiscovery obligations.
Assist with administration of the Company’s legal hold system.
Work with outside counsel to index, track, and control discovery documents, exhibits, and other materials for use during discovery and trial.
Assist attorneys with the drafting and coordination of documents (such as contracts, data requests, memos, correspondence, and responses to regulatory agencies).
Assist Senior Manager with the development and oversight of department technology roadmap.
Support in preparing reports and metrics.
Help drive strategic projects for the Legal team and collaborate with cross functional stakeholders.
Assist with providing training on legal risks and industry issues within the Company.
Collaborate with stakeholders to improve processes, including workflow and toolset improvement.
Keep current on industry issues, and communicate within their functional Legal Team on changes in law, or emerging issues.
Demonstrate proficiency in multiple research tools and in legal writing. Assist in the implementation of new research and technology resources to the Company.
% of Time Performed
Major responsibilities and specific job duties
35%
Provide day-to-day oversight and supervision of direct reports. Maintain smooth and seamless operations of staff and office with workload adjustments, proactive assessments of needs, and by creating a positive, congenial, and collaborative work environment.
20%
Performance management, address and resolve personnel or disciplinary issues, and conduct personnel evaluations and compensation recommendations.
10%
Provide recognition, training, coaching, and professional development
35%
Function as a high performing paralegal for assigned work group, managing time and workload
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university required. Master's Degree preferred. Seven or more years of experience as a paralegal, or in an equivalent role, required. Previous supervisory experience preferred.
In addition to the above qualifications, the successful candidate will demonstrate:
Proficiency with LEXIS, Westlaw, Internet, Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Office applications required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
Ameren’s selection process includes a series of interviews and may include a leadership assessment process. Specific details will be provided to qualified candidates.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, military service or status, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other class, trait, or status protected by law.