Legal Support Manager

DLA Piper LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 112,879 - 172,003; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Legal Support Manager to supervise the firm’s Legal Support Services Teams and coordinate workload to ensure seamless attorney‑client service across offices. This hybrid role in our Washington, DC area requires strong leadership, budgeting, recruiting, coaching and policy administration to support the firm’s strategic initiatives.

Applicants should bring at least five years of executive legal support experience with supervisory duties and a high school diploma (bachelor’s

Qualifications

• 5 years’ executive legal support experience with at least two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Strong communication skills and ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Experience in a legal or professional services management setting, or human resources management.

Responsibilities

• Supervise day‑to‑day activities of LSST and coordinate workload.
• Serve as liaison between administrative departments and timekeepers.
• Monitor attendance, approve vacation requests and manage overtime.
• Recruit, interview, train, and mentor LSST members.
• Prepare evaluations and oversee performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with firm policies and budget management.
• Coordinate meetings and training for LSST staff.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Overview

The Legal Support Manager works in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, closely with the Office Administrator to supervise the various Legal Support Services Teams (LSST) in their office(s), ensuring smooth workflow, workload coordination, and attorney‑client service.

Location

This position can sit in our Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Manages day‑to‑day activities of LSST, coordinates workload and utilization of LSST individuals and teams, and oversees overflow assistance and inter‑department coordination.
• Serves as liaison between administrative departments and timekeepers.
• Communicates and administers firm policies and procedures as they relate to LSST members.
• Monitors daily absences, arranges substitute staffing as needed, and approves vacation requests.
• Processes and approves time cards for all LSST members.
• Proposes and monitors budget for LSST members and overtime; ensures overtime is minimized.
• Reports all leave and FMLA issues to Human Resources and arranges coverage for leaves of absence.
• Monitors LSST staffing levels to keep in line with the firm’s ratio plan and adjusts work assignments as necessary.
• Assigns LSST to new incoming timekeepers.
• Recruits and interviews LSST members for open assignments and assists in training, orientation, and mentoring of new LSST members.
• Prepares evaluations of all LSST members; solicits feedback, proposes salary increases, and oversees performance reviews.
• Coaches, mediates, and documents performance, attendance, and conduct issues; brings discipline issues to the Office Administrator and HR.
• Arranges and conducts LSST meetings, coordinates training and other events, and ensures participation in required training.
• Participates in the orientation of all incoming LSST members and timekeepers.
• Participates in firm projects related to Legal Support Services and performs other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills

Excellent communication, strong computer and interpersonal skills; strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities; ability to manage multiple projects under pressure; prior experience in a legal or professional services management setting, or human resources management.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Years of Experience

• 5 years’ executive legal support experience with at least two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as working at a computer and participating in calls and meetings.
• Work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time; occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The role may involve a hybrid work arrangement of remote and in‑office work, determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor.

Disclaimer

This job description is a concise statement of the work elements and may be modified at the firm’s discretion. It does not change the at‑will nature of employment.

Compensation and Benefits

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $112,879 – $172,003 per year, depending on geographic location. Compensation may vary based on experience, skills, education, and qualifications. The package includes medical, dental, vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to allow individuals with a disability to perform essential functions of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.