Paralegal Support Manager

About the Role

The Paralegal Support Manager is responsible for delivering all aspects of paralegal support management for the Bankruptcy + Restructuring, Consumer Financial Services, and Finance + Banking practice groups. This role ensures lawyers have the appropriate level of skilled paralegal support for client work, from selection and onboarding through the entire employee lifecycle. The manager proactively builds a collaborative culture, reflecting firm objectives, and serves as the Legal Support Administration point of contact in their local office.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and manages all aspects of paralegal staff management, including hiring, development, direct supervision, and performance management, partnering with Human Resources as needed.
• In collaboration with the Paralegal Support Administrator, provides leadership and direction to assigned practice group(s) paralegal staff, including assignment of resources, management of schedules, performance management, and compensation decisions, partnering with Practice Management and Human Resources to ensure alignment.
• Develops a deep understanding of practice group operations and ensures paralegal staff have the right skills and training to support the needs of the practice group.
• Monitors and analyzes paralegal performance metrics to identify trends, improve efficiency, and develop related strategies that will improve service delivery to clients.
• Conducts regular check-ins and touchpoints with paralegal staff and attorneys, partnering with Human Resources for needed policy guidance and interpretation (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, corrective action measures).
• Collaborates with managers of the Legal Support Administration teams to ensure optimal assignment of work for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Works closely with management, attorneys, and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Supports employee engagement through team building, community service, and other relevant site initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in experience and/or training.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience, preferably within a legal/professional services environment.
• Previous law firm experience is required with practice area knowledge in Bankruptcy + Restructuring, Consumer Financial Services, and/or Finance + Banking.
• Demonstrated experience managing large legal support teams or working as a paralegal manager or team lead in a large law firm or professional services firm.
• Experience leading resources supporting multiple individuals in multiple locations and/or priorities.

Skills

• Strong collaborative leadership and management skills with the ability to build productive relationships, communicate effectively, and work in a team environment.
• Understanding of practice-level technology is a plus.
• Strong supervisory skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with both lawyers and staff.
• Ability to relate to and influence individuals at all levels, internally and externally, and build productive relationships.
• Demonstrated capability to identify issues, develop creative and effective solutions, and resolve conflict through acceptable and practical business solutions.
• High level of flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to manage and support change in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present information, as well as respond to questions from lawyers, staff, and clients.

Pay

Hiring Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $180,000.00

Compensation is dependent on several factors, such as position, location, market, education, training, and/or experience.