Manager, Legal Support Services

We are seeking a Manager, Legal Support Services to oversee the daily operations of the Paralegal and Secretarial teams in our Palo Alto office. This mid-level management role involves staff oversight, integration, training, performance management, and strategic planning. The Manager will also collaborate with leadership across multiple offices to support cross-functional and cross-office initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency and superior legal support services.

Client Details

This role is with a prestigious, global law firm known for its sophisticated legal work across transactional, litigation, and regulatory matters. With over 50 practice areas and a presence in major financial centers around the world, the firm is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Description

• Manage and oversee daily operations of the Paralegal and Secretarial departments.
• Assess, assign, evaluate, and schedule team members to support workload distribution and departmental goals.
• Partner with attorneys to understand support needs, staffing patterns, and workflow.
• Monitor individual and departmental productivity and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with local and firmwide management to align department operations with broader firm initiatives.
• Regularly consult with attorneys to plan for new case support and ongoing matter management.
• Work closely with senior firm management to implement departmental programs and provide updates on employee performance.
• Lead training and development initiatives for support staff, including mentorship and professional development planning.
• Partner with peer managers across offices to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, enhance knowledge, and maintain service excellence.
• Contribute to the development of annual budgets and monitor departmental expenditures.
• Support local HR and administrative leadership in performance management, organizational development, and training programs.
• Participate in recruiting and interviewing processes; provide feedback to HR.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies and current trends in support staff development.
• Guide performance conversations and coaching using the firm's performance management framework.
• Manage resolution of personnel matters and initiate disciplinary action in collaboration with HR.
• Oversee staff timekeeping, overtime usage, and expense compliance.
• Develop and maintain departmental procedures to ensure consistent service delivery.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills to foster effective relationships across teams.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Profile

• Strong knowledge of law firm operations, administrative practices, and industry trends.
• Bachelor's degree required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing legal support staff in a law firm or professional services environment is REQUIRED
• Familiarity with litigation support, legal technology, and corporate transactions.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience in coaching, conflict resolution, and team development.
• Ability to manage projects, drive process improvements, and lead change initiatives.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.
• Demonstrated budget management skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• High level of discretion, judgment, and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet operational needs.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary and discretionary year-end bonuses
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) savings plan and voluntary benefits
• Generous paid time off and parental leave options
• On-demand and instructor-led learning and development programs
• Wellness programming to support overall employee wellbeing
• Opportunities to contribute to community service initiatives
• Hybrid work schedule (4 days a week onsite, 1 from home)

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.