Manager Legal Support Services

DWF; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health

Dental coverage

Long-Term Disability

Disability Insurance

Casual dress code

Wellbeing allowance

Early finish before holidays

Job summary

DWF is seeking a Manager, Legal Support Services for our Vancouver office. The role oversees the legal support staff, including LAAs and Paralegals, and serves as a resource for Calgary and Toronto offices.

Strong leadership, collaboration, and performance management are essential to drive growth and excellence. Ideal candidates bring a background in legal support management, excellent communication, and a strategic approach to staffing, development, and operations.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years in a legal support services or legal management role.
• Strong understanding of legal industry standards and practices.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with performance management.
• Experience with workforce planning and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Act as line manager for LAAs, Paralegals, and Office Services Manager in Vancouver.
• Provide guidance to Calgary/Toronto offices on staffing, workflow, and performance management.
• Manage performance reviews, probationary and annual cycles.
• Coach lawyers on managing team performance and oversee improvement plans with HR.
• Coordinate legal support teams for new and existing lawyers.
• Identify learning and development opportunities with Learning & Development and HR.
• Lead recruitment and selection for legal support staff.
• Participate in compensation considerations and salary increases.
• Oversee departure processes and transitions with HR.
• Approve vacations and sick leave; escalate attendance concerns to HR.
• Oversee LAA practicum programs with colleges/universities.
• Address workflow issues and workload balance with HR when needed.
• Monitor timekeeper hours to meet targets.
• Manage leaves and temporary workload reassignment.
• Assign peer mentors for onboarding and development.
• Approve overtime for applicable groups.
• Lead quarterly staff meetings.
• Approve reimbursement under Staff Professional Development Policy.
• Participate in termination and succession planning with HR.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Strategic planning

Performance management

HR software

Microsoft Office

Education

Diploma or degree in Business Administration/Human Resources

Tools

HR software

Microsoft Office

Job description

DWF Group is a global provider of integrated legal and business services. As part of the DWF Group, our Canadian legal team is driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. We foster a professional, supportive, and engaging environment where our people are encouraged to grow and contribute meaningfully.

With a strong focus on litigation, we continually look beyond traditional approaches to deliver progressive, creative solutions that add real value for our clients.

DWF takes pride in cultivating a collegial workplace that promotes teamwork, professional development, and social connection among staff and lawyers alike. We believe people thrive when they feel supported, empowered, and part of a collaborative culture.

Join us at DWF!

We are seeking a Manager, Legal Support Services to join our Vancouver office. This role is responsible for overseeing the legal support staff in our Vancouver office, including Legal Assistants (LAA), Paralegals, and other administrative groups as well as acting as a resource to our Calgary and Toronto offices, as needed. This position plays a crucial role in driving the performance and professional growth of our legal support teams.

An ideal candidate is someone with experience in legal support services or legal management who thrives in a collaborative team environment and is focused on achieving results. They have strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record in performance management and team development. Additionally, they are organized, strategic, and adept at problem-solving, making them a valuable asset to our dynamic and innovative team.

Responsibilities

• Act as the line manager for Legal Assistants (LAAs), Paralegals, the Office Services Manager, and other administrative groups in Vancouver.
• Act as a resource for the Calgary and Toronto offices, as needed, providing guidance and support on legal support staffing, workflow, performance management, recruitment, and other operational matters.
• Manage the performance review process, including probationary reviews, annual reviews, and ongoing performance management.
• Provide coaching and guidance to lawyers on managing team performance and oversee performance improvement plans in conjunction with HR.
• Coordinate legal support teams for new and existing lawyers, ensuring effective support allocations and managing team adjustments as required.
• Identify and facilitate learning and development opportunities to enhance the skills and career development of legal support staff, in conjunction with Learning & Development and HR.
• Manage the recruitment and selection process for legal support staff.
• Participate in determining and recommending compensation and annual salary increases for legal support staff, taking into account market trends and firm budgets.
• Manage the departure process for legal support staff, including transition planning, coordination with HR on exit processes, and oversight of transition communications.
• Approve vacation and sick leave, coordinate coverage, and provide payroll notifications for absences. Escalate attendance or absence-related concerns to HR as required.
• Oversee LAA practicum programs coordinated with colleges and universities.
• Address legal support workflow and team issues, including workload volume, communication, and interpersonal concerns, escalating matters to HR where appropriate.
• Monitor timekeeper hours regularly to support achievement of established targets.
• Notify HR of leaves of absence and manage operational aspects of leaves, including temporary reassignment of workloads and coverage.
• Assign peer mentors to new legal support staff and provide ongoing support to promote successful onboarding, integration, and development.
• Approve overtime for applicable legal support groups.
• Lead quarterly legal support staff meetings.
• Approve reimbursement eligibility in accordance with the firm’s Staff Professional Development Policy.
• Participate in termination processes in conjunction with HR.
• Participate in succession planning and workforce planning for legal support functions.
• Perform other duties as required.

What will help you succeed in this role?

• Diploma or degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, or related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a legal support services or legal management role. Previous legal assistant and/or paralegal experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal industry standards and practices.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with performance management.
• Experience with workforce planning and talent development.
• Skills in:

-Leadership and mentoring

-Performance management

-Effective communication

-Organizational and time management

-Problem-solving and conflict resolution

-Strategic planning

-Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR software

What we offer?

The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $115,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Our firm benefits include Extended Health benefit, Dental coverage, LTD, DI, casual dress code, wellbeing allowance, early finish ahead of statutory holidays and more.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Nurturing talent is very important to us. We are committed to equal opportunities in all areas of work and business. We want people to achieve their best, which will positively impact our clients and the communities in which we live and work. At DWF Group, we empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to reach their full potential.

At DWF, we believe in offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond base salary. From flexible benefits to wellbeing programs, we are committed to supporting our people both professionally and personally.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It may include interviews, assessments, or presentations. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and will provide accommodations where required.

About us

DWF is a leading global provider of integrated legal and business services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.