Manager, Legal Department Operations - Atlanta

Job Description

Job Description

Manager, Legal Department Operations

Location : Open (Hybrid / Onsite options depending on office)

Compensation : $85,000 – $130,000 annually, plus comprehensive benefits

Direct Counsel is representing an Am Law 100 firm seeking a Manager of Legal Department Operations to work closely with firm leadership across multiple legal departments and industry groups. This role plays a critical part in supporting the strategic, financial, and operational functions that drive the delivery of high-quality legal services.

The Manager will act as a bridge between practice leadership and administrative teams —including Finance, HR, Recruiting, and Professional Development—to ensure efficient operations, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with the firm’s long-term business objectives. This is a highly visible position offering a unique vantage point into the inner workings of a top-tier law firm.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with department and industry leadership to design and implement efficient operational procedures , improving overall workflow, structure, and communication within the department.

Collaborate with practice group leaders to support strategic planning initiatives , including setting departmental goals and tracking progress against firm objectives.

Develop and maintain monthly, quarterly, and annual reports highlighting key performance metrics, financial data, and progress toward strategic priorities.

Lead and support short-term and long-term operational projects , ensuring timely execution and measurable outcomes.

Manage budget preparation and financial analysis , providing actionable insights to department and industry leadership.

Oversee onboarding, integration, and offboarding processes for attorneys and professional staff.

Maintain accurate operational dashboards and key performance metrics to support data-driven decisions.

Coordinate agendas, track action items, and produce minutes for department meetings and retreats.

Serve as a liaison between the legal department and administrative support functions , ensuring collaboration across finance, HR, recruiting, and training teams.

Collaborate effectively within a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary team , maintaining strong communication and consistency across offices.

Establish project management standards, providing consistent progress updates and reports across initiatives.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.

5+ years of relevant experience in business, financial, or operational analysis, consulting, or a related field.

Demonstrated interest in building a career in legal operations or professional services management .

Understanding of business and financial concepts ; prior experience in the legal industry is a plus.

Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, taking ownership of projects and delivering high-quality results.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite , and familiarity with legal research or document management tools such as iManage preferred.

Detail-oriented and adaptable, with the ability to shift focus between tasks as workflow demands evolve.

Compensation and Benefits

This position offers a competitive annual salary range of $85,000 – $130,000 , commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including :

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and sick leave

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance

Identity theft protection

Parking or transit reimbursement (location dependent)

Employee assistance program

Referral and professional development programs