Legal Administrative Manager

The Phoenix Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Phoenix Group is seeking an Administrative Manager to oversee the supervision, performance management, and strategic leadership of practice operations professionals in a fast-paced professional services environment.

You will drive staffing, onboarding, and process improvements while aligning operations with organizational goals to deliver superior administrative support and client satisfaction. Strong leadership and communication are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years’ managerial or supervisory experience in a professional services setting.
• Proven leadership ability to develop teams and drive operational excellence.
• Excellent communication with stakeholders at all levels with professionalism and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet tight deadlines.
• Experience with practice management systems, HRIS platforms, timekeeping, billing, and expense software.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the practice operations team, providing strategic guidance and ensuring staffing, workflows, and processes support firm objectives.
• Develop and implement best practices for practice management, operational efficiencies, and client service enhancements.
• Collaborate with practice leaders, managers, and external partners to optimize staffing and resource allocation.
• Oversee onboarding, training, and development programs for staff, attorneys, and summer associates.
• Manage performance evaluations, set standards, and facilitate professional growth through coaching and recognition.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Clio

MyCase

Timekeeping systems

Job description

The Administrative Manager oversees the supervision, performance management, and strategic leadership of practice operations professionals. This role is vital in managing workflows, staffing, onboarding, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals to deliver superior administrative support and client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage practice operations team, providing strategic guidance and ensuring staffing, workflow, and administrative processes support firm objectives
• Develop and implement best practices for practice management, operational efficiencies, and client service enhancements
• Collaborate with practice leaders, functional managers, and external partners to optimize staffing assignments, workflows, and resource allocation
• Oversee onboarding, training, and development programs for practice operations staff, attorneys, and summer associates, fostering continuous improvement
• Manage performance evaluations, set standards, and facilitate professional growth through coaching, counseling, and recognition programs
• Ensure compliance with internal policies related to time and attendance, payroll, expense management, and HR procedures
• Supervise and approve staffing schedules, overtime, temporary support, and leave requests to balance operational needs and cost controls
• Collaborate with HR for recruitment, interview processes, new hire documentation, and orientation initiatives
• Monitor departmental budgets, expenses, and resource allocation to ensure cost-effective operations
• Maintain accurate records, prepare reports, and utilize technology platforms (e.g., Workday, timekeeping systems, practice management tools) for data tracking and process automation

Core Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years managerial or supervisory experience in a professional services setting, preferably within legal, consulting, or similar industry
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to develop teams, foster collaboration, and drive operational excellence
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging stakeholders at all levels with professionalism and diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet tight deadlines
• Experience with practice management systems, HRIS platforms, timekeeping, billing, and expense software (e.g., Workday, Clio, MyCase)
• Knowledge of legal or professional services workflows, staffing, and client service standards

Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a multi-office environment with a focus on practice operations and workflow coordination
• Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards in professional services
• Technical proficiency in data analysis, report generation, and process improvement methodologies

Core Technical Skills

• Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), payroll, and timekeeping platforms
• Workflow and project management tools (Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams)
• Expense and billing software, including AR and collections management
• Software integration and process automation capabilities

The Phoenix Group Advisors is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. We strive to attract talented individuals from all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.