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Associate Director of Paralegal Operations

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Posted Sep 24
Full Time

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Paralegal Operations plans, directs and coordinates all aspects of firm-wide paralegal and legal project assistant activities. The role will drive Firm-wide strategic direction and management of recruiting, onboarding, integration, training, performance management, utilization and work allocation in conjunction with Department Practice Operations (DPO). Under the direction of the Global Director of Operations - US, manages financial and administrative matters for the Paralegal Department. The Associate Director will stay abreast of legal trends and develop strategies ensuring superior internal and external paralegal and legal project assistant support.

 

 Responsibilities

  • Analyzes existing paralegal processes and staffing structures; recommends and implements changes as necessary. Introduces strategic and innovative approaches to process improvement focusing on overall operation of the team with a focus toward client service. Continuously reviews and enhances policies and procedures
  • Proactively addresses attorney and client paralegal support needs. Monitors utilization and realization of all paralegals and legal project assistants; adjusts resources as appropriate. Partners with DPO to align capacity with demand
  • Directs department Paralegal Managers to ensure efficient workflow, practice group training, and proper communication of Firm and administrative matters amongst Paralegal team
  • Ensures the success of paralegal operations according to standard business metrics such as client satisfaction, quality of work product and services provided
  • Review and monitor paralegal compensation and bonus structure with the Partner Compensation team. Make recommendations for change based on Firm needs and industry trends
  • Collaborates with Regional Directors of Administration, Office Administrators, and Office Managing Partners in the on-site management of paralegal productivity and effectiveness
  • Partners with work allocation manager, if applicable, to maintain appropriate workloads, monitors billable and non-billable work
  • Consistently assesses staffing levels to ensure appropriate paralegal ratio levels are maintained; makes recommendations for change
  • Collaborates with Human Resources to recruit, interview and hire paralegals and legal project assistants
  • Facilitates and coordinates annual performance evaluation and compensation review, in addition to providing continuous performance management, feedback to paralegals and legal project assistants
  • Partners with training department to ensure overall proper training and professional development for paralegals and legal project assistants
  • Ensures effective communication, collaboration and cooperation between paralegals, legal project assistants, attorneys and Global Business Services (GBS) departments.
  • Builds relationships with paralegal team as well as firm leaders, attorneys and GBS stakeholders across the Firm to accomplish responsibilities and goals
  • Performs other duties as directed by Firm Management.
 

Essential Job Specifications/Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

 
  • Demonstrated performance history of strong leadership, collaboration, communication, customer service and problem solving skills in large law firm environment
  • Must possess a high level of professionalism and interpersonal skills along with the ability to work well with lawyers and staff at all levels within the Firm while maintaining confidentiality
  • Proven organizational and analytical skills
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team while providing performance counseling and working to resolve conflicts
  • Possess knowledge of recruiting practices, employee relations and paralegal compensation and billings systems
  • Ability to resolve discreetly and effectively sensitive attorney and staff issues
  • Ability to work well in a fast paced environment while managing multiple and changing deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to do internal marketing while staying business minded with a focus on department utilization as a business unit
  • Ability to pay close attention to detail
  • Requires the ability to regularly report to work on the days and times scheduled
 

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has direct and indirect supervisory responsibilities.

 

Travel

This position requires the ability to travel domestically up to 25% of the time.

 
 Education/Experience/Certifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of ten (10) years Paralegal experience in a law firm
  • Minimum five (5) years management experience
 

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Benefits

BCLP offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans. We also provide eligible employees flexible time off plans including paid Parental leave, Paid Time Off (PTO), and paid holidays.

Pursuant to the California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Washington, D.C. pay transparency laws, BCLP is posting a reasonable estimate of a compensation range for this position. At the time of posting, the estimated California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Washington, D.C. range is $150,000 to $200,000. Actual compensation will be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to the level of relevant experience, skill sets, training, licensure and certifications, internal equity, market data, and other job related factors permitted by law. The range is based on a full-time work schedule. Additional compensation may include an annual discretionary bonus.

 

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

BCLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer