Legal Support Manager

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Legal Support Manager, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, works closely with the Office Administrator to supervise the various Legal Support Services Teams (LSST) in their respective office(s) to ensure smooth workflow, workload coordination and attorney-client service. Provides overall supervision and direction to LSST for respectively assigned office(s).
Location

This position can sit in our Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, or Washington DC office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
 
Responsibilities
 

• Manage day-to-day activities of LSST. Coordinate workload and utilization of LSST (individuals and teams), coordinate overflow assistance and inter-department coordination to ensure the overall smooth operation of assistant work and document processing. Coordinate backup and overflow assistance as necessary.

• Serve as liaison between administrative departments and between timekeepers and LSST.

• Communicate and administer firm policies and procedures as they relate to LSST members.

• Monitor daily absences and arrange substitute staffing, as needed, and approve vacation requests.

• Process and approve timecards for all LSST members.

• Propose and monitor budget for LSST members and overtime; ensure overtime is kept to a minimum.

• Report all leave and FMLA issues to Human Resources; arrange coverage for leaves of absence.

• Monitor LSST staffing levels to keep in line with firm's ratio plan. Provide/adjust work assignments for any LSST member as necessary.

• Assigning LSST to new incoming timekeepers.

• Recruit and interview LSST members for open assignments; assist in the training, orientation and mentoring of new LSST members on firm procedures and resources.

• Prepare evaluations on all LSST members; solicit proper feedback throughout the year; propose annual salary increases. Monitor, review and evaluate LSST performance. Make LSST members aware of job expectations, how they are performing and where further development is needed. Work with HR and timekeepers to resolve performance problems and issues/concerns that arise.

• Coach, mediate and document all LSST member performance, attendance and conduct issues as needed; bring discipline issues to the attention of the Office Administrator and HR. Follow up on discipline issues.

• Arrange and conduct LSST meetings as needed; coordinate training and other similar events for all LSST members; ensure that LSST members receive and participate in all required training.

• Participate in the orientation process for all incoming LSST members and timekeepers.

• Participate in a variety of firm projects related to Legal Support Services; other duties as assigned.
   

Desired Skills   

Excellent communication, strong computer and interpersonal skill sets required to interact with LSST members and timekeepers on a daily basis. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must maintain confidentiality and demonstrate good judgment. Must have strong organizational and problem-solving skills to interpret and resolve issues as they arise. Ability to manage multiple projects and work under pressure. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.  Prior experience in a legal or professional services management setting, or human resources management preferred.
Minimum Education            

• High School Diploma or GED.
   

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree.
   

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 5 years’ executive legal support experience with at least two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
 

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.

• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.

• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.

• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.

• Foster positive work relationships.

• Comply with all firm policies and practices.

• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
   

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.    

Work Environment    

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future. 
Disclaimer    

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment. 
 

Application Process     

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 
 

Accommodation    

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [email protected]. 
 

Agency applications will not be considered.     
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.    

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $112,879 - $172,003 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location.
 

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.