Legal Operations Manager

Earthjustice; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 125,500; Full time

Job summary

Earthjustice seeks a Legal Operations Manager to oversee core legal practice systems, manage data quality, and support risk and compliance efforts. You will lead a team of analysts, drive process improvements, and collaborate with General Counsel on governance and training.

The role is full-time, with remote or hybrid options within the contiguous US, and preference for San Francisco or DC in hybrid arrangements. Strong technical and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent years of experience, plus at least five years of relevant work experience.
• Expert technical specialist with knowledge of business planning, project management, budgeting and financial management.
• Certification or training in project management, change management, and/or Generative AI is desired.
• Strong understanding of law firm operations, workflows, and confidentiality requirements.
• In-depth proficiency with legal practice systems and AI tools to enhance workflows.

Responsibilities

• Serve as business owner and administrator for core legal practice systems and other platforms.
• Oversee matter and case information databases, time tracking, and data integrity.
• Lead initiatives to improve workflows, evaluate tools, and deliver system training.
• Manage risk, conflicts checks, and ethical walls with senior leadership input.
• Supervise and develop Legal Operations Analysts and manage budgets and personnel.

Skills

Legal operations

Intapp expertise

API integrations

Data analytics

Project management

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Litera Foundation

Intapp Open

Intapp Risk

Intapp Walls

Boomi connectors

Job description

Earthjustice is the nation's leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.

Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected.

The Legal Operations Manager reports to the Director of Legal Operations & Innovation andis responsible foroverseeing the effective creation and functioning of information and administrative systems in support of Earthjustice’s legal practice. The position will supervise Legal Operations Analysts and administer legal operations practice support systems, including system oversight, administrative project planning, time and billing reporting, enhancement of existing processes and procedures, information and system quality control, and other general legal operation functions. This position is also responsible for supporting General Counsel in compliance and risk management responsibilities. TheLegal Operations Manager isexpected to work afull-time (37.5 hours/week)schedule. This position can be remote from the contiguous US (including states we have offices in) or hybrid. For hybrid applications, there is a preference for San Francisco or Washington, D.C.

This is a supervisory position.

What You’ll Do

Legal Practice Systems (40%)

• Serve as business owner and primary administrator for core legal practice systems (e.g. Litera Foundation, Intapp) and other legal operations platforms, ensuring functionality, data quality, reliable reporting, and strong end-user support.
• Oversee administration of matter and case information databases and time tracking systems, managing data integrity, access, and ongoing configuration to support litigation and firm management needs.
• Lead initiatives to improve workflows and operational efficiency, evaluate and recommend legal practice management and reporting tools, leverage AI and automation with appropriate governance, and support development and delivery of systems‑related training for legal and program staff.

Compliance & Risk Management (45%)

• Serve as first escalation point for conflicts, ethical walls, and related legal operations risk issues, further escalating complex or sensitive conflicts to General Counsel, and oversee administration of Intapp Risk and Intapp Walls to ensure compliant conflicts and ethical wall processes.
• Manage and assist with the intake queue, ensuring timely processing and accurate analysis of AI‑assisted conflicts checks for new matters and new hires, and ensure consistent application of firm policies and professional responsibility standards.
• Manage matter and case data for reporting to senior leadership, advance data analysis and reporting capabilities, stay current on legal technology and risk management trends, and proactively identify risks and opportunities for process and system improvement.

Management (15%)

• Directly supervise, train, and evaluate Legal Operations Analysts, set priorities and allocate resources, lead staff supporting matter intelligence, legal operations technology, dashboards, and structured legal data, and supervise conflicts‑related work, documentation, and ethical wall implementation.
• Uphold Earthjustice’s mission and values by fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, providing clear direction and feedback, and promoting a culture of learning for all team members.
• Oversee relevant administrative, budgeting, and personnel management of direct reports, ensuring that all organizational policies and standards are met.

Ongoing Learning

• Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge.

Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirements.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent years of experience, plus a minimum of five years of relevant work experience required.
• Expert technical specialist with seasoned knowledge of all aspects of business planning, project management, workflow planning, budgeting and financial management.
• Certification or training in project management, change management, and/or Generative AI desired.
• Strong understanding of law firm operations, legal practice workflows, and professional responsibility and ethics requirements, including strict confidentiality.
• In-depth technical proficiency with legal practice systems, including case management, document and records management, conflicts, and time entry platforms.
• Advanced experience with Intapp systems (Open, Risk, Walls, Time, IIS), API calls, system integrations including Boomi connectors, and generative AI tools to enhance legal operations workflows.
• Strong aptitude for evaluating and implementing emerging legal technology tools; strong data analytics skills, including developing dashboards and reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with sound judgment in complex situations, and demonstrated ability to apply change management practices to transitions involving technology, processes, and people.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with ability to work effectively across roles and levels and adapt quickly to change and tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.
• Skill in leading diverse teams with emotional intelligence and cultural competence; fosters growth through mentorship, effective communication, and constructive feedback while hiring and developing team talents to align with organizational needs.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits. We also offer a casual and congenial work environment. Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required.

The annual salary range for this role in San Francisco, CA or New York, NY is $113,00 - $125,500

The annual salary range for this role in Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, Los Angeles, CA, or Chicago, IL is $107,400 - $119,300

The annual salary range for this role in Philadelphia, PA or Denver, CO is $101,700 - $113,000

The annual salary range for this role in Miami, FL, Houston, Texas, or Atlanta, GA is $96,000 - $106,700

The remote annual salary range will vary between $106,700 - $125,500 depending on specific location.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

For positions located within the City and County of San Francisco Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment‑qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.