Legal Support Services Manager

You're looking for a change, and so are we. At Venable, we know that every new hire brings valuable experience, new perspectives, and a chance to raise the bar on our approach to how we work. That's why we're looking for a Legal Support Services Manager (LSS) to provide leadership and management to the Consolidated Model Legal Administrative Assistants (LAAs), Litigation Division LAAs, and Practice Group Assistants (PGAs) in the Los Angeles and Irvine, California offices.

The LSS Manager partners with Director of Administration on departmental initiatives and special projects. Dedication to learning and embracing the Firm's culture is a key aspect of this role. Building and maintaining strong relationships with attorneys, legal professionals, and business professionals will be instrumental in ensuring success in this role.

POSITION DETAILS

• Manage team of LAA's and other support roles supporting the lawyers and other billable staff in the Los Angeles and Irvine, California offices.
• Ensure effective, timely and cost-efficient coordination for completion of client and administrative tasks
• Manage LAA assignments and staff/lawyer ratios
• Coordinate daily staffing, scheduling, workflow and backup/overflow support
• Manage staff overtime utilization
• Ensure available resources are being utilized and identify additional resources needed
• Identify opportunities for improved individual and team efficiencies
• Conduct thorough practice needs assessments. Develop lawyer relationships. Determine, implement and maintain optimal staffing requirements and utilization. Develop understanding of office client base and associated matters.
• Ensure staff are accountable to established core competencies.
• Work with Legal Staff and LAAs/PGAs to identify problems and develop and implement resolutions that support the needs of the business.
• Follow a structured approach to leading change management activities. Create actionable deliverables, communication plans, training plans, and drive stakeholder engagement
• Conduct regular staff meetings to review status of office operations and communicate goals and objectives.
• Assess staff skill levels to ensure alignment with current business needs. Develop and implement training, mentoring, development and succession plans.
• Advance employee relations, communication and career development.
• Evaluate and hire high performing staff throughout the employment life cycle. Facilitate onboarding and training.
• Manage workstation assignments and moves, file and on-site storage allocation.
• Partners with Director of Administration on strategic planning and change management projects to include research, concept design, execution, and evaluation.
• Work with Senior Manager and peer managers across the firm to ensure support systems for all practices are functioning optimally.
• Provide support, planning, and coordination of office social functions.
• Work on special projects and assignments as needed.

The successful candidate will demonstrate...

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

• 7+ years relevant work experience, preferably within a law firm environment, and 2+ years people management experience, including overseeing the work, performance, and development of a team
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including proficiency with Word. Experience with MS Project preferred
• Exposure to document management, accounting/billing/timekeeping systems
• Strong focus on client service and responsiveness; ability to work in a consultative manner
• Strong focus on client service and responsiveness; ability to work in a consultative manner.
• Ability to anticipate problems and focus on appropriate solutions while incorporating differing viewpoints.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to make persuasive arguments to move toward a common vision or goal.
• Ability to direct and coordinate work efforts of individuals with differing abilities and delegate work to others.
• Understanding of litigation legal processes and associated technologies preferred.

Pay Range for Candidates in Los Angeles:

$114,000- $165,000 per year

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary that Venable in good faith believes at the time of this posting that it is willing to pay for the advertised position. Exact compensation will be determined based on individual candidate qualifications and location. Additional compensation may include discretionary bonuses and overtime, if eligible. Overtime wages earned will be paid in compliance with applicable law.

Venable's benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending and healthcare savings accounts, 401(k) with firm profit share, paid vacation and sick time, firm paid holidays, wellness and personal advocacy programs, family planning resources and leave programs, tuition reimbursement, and more. New employees are provided a detailed orientation to the firm's benefit offerings upon hire.

Investing your time and talents is no small matter-we know that superior service to our clients starts with an investment in you. Our competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and programs that support our employees' well-being, families, and futures reflect our pride in our people.

From our legal administrative assistants to our senior partners, Venable prioritizes the whole person in order to cultivate the most successful of relationships.

Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. Material job duties for this role include having access to privileged and confidential firm and client information, firm employees, and the firm's premises. This role requires the hired individual to perform the material job duties outlined in this job posting. If the firm reasonably believes an applicant's criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with the material job duties required by the role, a conditional offer of employment may be rescinded.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience

Skills & Technical Requirements

• Minimum seven years related work experience, preferably within a law firm environment, and two years of experience managing and directing teams, overseeing performance, conducting reviews, developing and implementing training, and supervising day-to-day operations. Experience measuring and managing performance at both individual and team levels, with increasing scope and responsibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, with a preference for experience in project management software. Adaptable and quick to learn new technologies as needed. Exposure to document management, accounting/billing/timekeeping systems.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills, effectively engaging individuals at all levels of the organization and conveying complex issues clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
• Maintains a high level of interpersonal skills, demonstrating poise, tact, and diplomacy in handling sensitive and confidential situations.
• Demonstrates strong emotional intelligence by recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions, staying self-motivated, and empathetically navigating relationships. Maintains composure under pressure, adapts to challenges, and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functional teams and lead through change, ensuring a cohesive, results-driven approach that drives business success.
• Ability to drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiencies, and implement automation while fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Ability to cultivate strong relationships, serve as a trusted advisor within the organization, and foster a positive, engaging environment with a good sense of humor.
• Client-focused and responsive, with a consultative approach to understanding and meeting needs. Skilled in addressing sensitive inquiries or complaints effectively and in a timely manner.
• Ability to proactively anticipate challenges and identify effective solutions while considering diverse perspectives.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment while demonstrating strong problem-solving skills with creativity and effectiveness.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously. Demonstrates strong organizational skills, prioritizes tasks efficiently, and ensures deadlines and business objectives are consistently met.
• Demonstrates strong project management skills with proactive engagement to drive projects forward, ensuring timely completion while successfully managing multiple deadlines.
• Driven by results with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes and ensuring exceptional client service and satisfaction.

Other Requirements

• Understanding of litigation legal processes and associated technologies preferred

Physical Requirements

• Work is mainly sedentary