Legal Practice Operations Manager

herbertsmithfreehills; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a premier global law firm embarking on a permanent opportunity for a Legal Practice Administration Manager (LPAM) in Melbourne. You may work 4 or 5 days per week, partnering with an experienced LPAM and guided by the Senior Operations Manager.

You will support Real Estate and Employment Industrial Relations and Safety (EIRS) practice groups and lead a team of about eight Legal Assistants and Administrative Assistants.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years' experience in a senior Legal Assistant position.
• Proven history as a people manager in a legal support environment.
• Experience with digital and AI tools; interest in process optimisation (Legora desirable).
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment support for staff through interviews and onboarding.
• Support performance conversations with LPAM and HR guidance.
• Build capability in the support team and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Coordinate resources to optimise administrative support across the practice group.
• Lead digital and AI workstream initiatives with the national team.
• Monitor service quality and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Escalate operational issues to the Senior Operations Manager as needed.
• Communicate updates on operational metrics and new initiatives.
• Collaborate with business services to support adoption and implementation of new processes.
• Coordinate equipment, software and workspace requests for the practice group.

Skills

Senior Legal Assistant

People management

Digital tools

Time management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business

Tools

Legora

AI tools

Job description

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a premier global law firm embarking on a permanent opportunity for a Legal Practice Administration Manager (LPAM) in Melbourne. You may work 4 or 5 days per week, partnering with an experienced LPAM and guided by the Senior Operations Manager.

You will support Real Estate and Employment Industrial Relations and Safety (EIRS) practice groups and lead a team of about eight Legal Assistants and Administrative Assistants.