Associate Director

This is a senior leadership role overseeing all global paralegals and paralegal managers (~80 total) across multiple practice areas (Corporate, Litigation, Real Estate). The role is highly strategic, partnering directly with the CLO to support global growth plans. Key Requirements Must have AM Law 200 experience – non-negotiable Minimum 8 years of paralegal management experience Experience managing large, global teams Strong background in budget planning and department operations Needs to be assertive and confident , with the ability to hold their own with attorneys and push back when necessary Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment ; must be able to multitask effectively Key Attributes Strategic thinker with strong leadership presence Able to influence and lead at a senior level Strong communication and organizational skills High emotional intelligence and team leadership capabilities Team Scope ~80 global reports (paralegals + managers) Salary & Compensation Base: $260K+ Bonus: Performance-based Selling Points Firm is known for investing in employee growth Well-established employee wellness department High-visibility role working closely with top leadership About the Firm Law Firm is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision. Role Details Based in any US office, the Associate Director, Paralegal Services will serve as a firm-wide resource for all practice groups that oversee the paralegal department globally. The Associate Director, Paralegal Services will work with local Paralegal Managers to hire, train, mentor, and evaluate paralegals, as well as ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards. This role will focus on overall paralegal utilization, monitoring the distribution of work, their overall workload, and productivity. Additionally, the Associate Director, Paralegal Services will be responsible for administrative tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, reporting, and liaising with clients and other departments. This role reports to the Chief Legal Operations Officer to implement the Firm’s strategy for its paralegal program, collaborating closely with local Paralegal Managers, Supervisors, and Coordinators. Responsibilities Develop and implement an engagement plan to educate all lawyers and staff on the paralegal program and proper utilization of paralegals. Develop and implement policies and procedures for the paralegal department, such as hiring criteria, performance appraisal, quality control, and professional development. Provide ongoing training, coaching, mentoring, and feedback to paralegals, and address any issues or concerns that arise. Evaluate the work of paralegals, ensuring that they meet the expectations and standards of the Firm and clients. Analyze paralegal utilization to support distribution of work among paralegals, considering their skills, experience, and availability. Monitor and track paralegals’ progress and productivity. Ensure that paralegals comply with the rules of professional conduct, ethics, confidentiality, and applicable laws and regulations. Collaborate and communicate with attorneys, clients, and other departments, providing support and assistance as needed. Manage the administrative functions of the paralegal department, such as budgeting, planning, reporting, employee timecard approval, and record-keeping. Analyze trends and changes in the legal industry to anticipate and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. Conduct regular meetings with paralegal staff to review case progress, address issues, and provide updates on departmental initiatives. Implement quality control measures and best practices to maintain high standards of work. Qualifications Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with the appropriate discretion. Exceptional verbal and written communication and people skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Collaboration skills to work with various departments and facilitate their ability to work with each other. Ability to work independently and with a team, and to delegate and manage resources effectively. Strong leadership skills to manage and develop a large and geographically dispersed staff. Exhibit a high degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills while exercising independent judgment and making decisions to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment. Creative thinker who is open to considering multiple approaches to issues and collaborating with other leaders to develop and execute plans. Strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities. Have meticulous attention to detail. Ability to build and maintain relationships with Department personnel, Firm management, and other attorneys and staff. Highly motivated and strategy-focused with the ability to understand and support Firm goals, services, culture and strategy to present self and the Firm in a positive, professional manner. Understands and stays current on legal market trends, news, and innovations. Experience MBA or bachelor’s degree in legal studies, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. At least 8+ years of experience in a paralegal managerial role at an AmLaw 200 firm. Firm will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law. The annual compensation range for this position is $260-285k. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations. Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses. #J-18808-Ljbffr LHH