Law Firm Administrator / Office Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Law Firm Administrator

Houston Galleria Area | In-Office | Business Casual Environment

Compensation: $120,000 - $185,000 Base Salary + Performance Bonus

A well-established and growing plaintiff-side law firm is seeking an experienced Law Firm Administrator to oversee the business operations of a 50-person legal practice. This position serves as a key member of the firm's leadership team, reporting directly to the Partners and working closely with department managers to ensure the firm operates efficiently, strategically, and in alignment with its long-term goals.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for the administrative, human resources, payroll, technology coordination, facilities, and operational functions of the firm. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who understands how to build relationships, improve processes, and support managers across the organization without creating unnecessary bureaucracy or micromanagement.

We are seeking a business-minded professional who can balance operational excellence with a people-first approach and help maintain a positive, high-performing culture.

Position Overview

The Law Firm Administrator serves as the operational leader of the firm, ensuring that the infrastructure, systems, personnel, and resources are in place to support attorneys and staff at the highest level. This individual acts as a strategic partner to the Partners by managing the firm's day-to-day business operations and driving initiatives that improve efficiency, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Primary Responsibilities

Firm Operations & Administration

• Direct the daily administrative operations of the firm.
• Partner with firm leadership and department managers to identify opportunities for operational improvement and increased efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Oversee facilities management, office services, and lease-related matters.
• Manage relationships with outside vendors and service providers.
• Assist leadership with strategic planning and operational initiatives.
• Serve as a resource and advisor to Partners on operational matters affecting the firm.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Lead recruiting efforts, candidate sourcing, screening, and first-round interviews.
• Manage onboarding and offboarding processes for all employees.
• Facilitate new employee orientation and training regarding firm policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Administer employee benefits and assist with 401(k) plan coordination.
• Coordinate annual performance review processes.
• Support managers with employee coaching, performance management, disciplinary matters, and policy enforcement.
• Manage PTO administration, employee records, and HR compliance activities.
• Handle unemployment claims and related employment matters.

Payroll & Business Support

• Administer payroll processing through Paycor.
• Maintain payroll procedures, controls, and reporting processes.
• Coordinate payroll and benefits administration activities.
• Partner with accounting leadership on payroll-related matters and quarterly administrative reporting.
• Provide operational support and backup assistance for key accounting and administrative functions when needed.

Technology & Vendor Management

• Serve as the firm's primary internal liaison with third-party IT providers.
• Coordinate employee technology onboarding and offboarding.
• Oversee hardware inventory, device tracking, and technology asset management.
• Manage vendor relationships including IT, telecommunications, software providers, insurance carriers, office services, and other critical business partners.
• Negotiate and oversee vendor contracts, renewals, and service expectations.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Promote a collaborative, professional, and team-oriented workplace culture.
• Plan and coordinate firm events, employee recognition programs, celebrations, and team-building activities.
• Partner with leadership to maintain high employee morale and engagement.
• Support initiatives focused on employee retention, communication, and workplace satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in law firm administration, office management, operations management, HR leadership, or professional services management.
• Experience overseeing payroll and benefits administration, preferably utilizing Paycor.
• Working knowledge of employment practices, HR administration, and employee relations.
• Experience coordinating with outsourced IT providers and managing business vendors.
• Strong financial and operational acumen.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is a trusted business partner who understands that effective leadership comes through collaboration, communication, and influence rather than control. You enjoy building relationships across departments, helping managers succeed, improving processes, and creating an environment where employees can perform at their best.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Law Firm Administrator who wants to play a meaningful role in the continued growth and success of a respected and thriving legal practice.