Paralegal and Administrative Support Manager

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Paralegal and Administrative Support Manager, mid-level, to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Palo Alto office (hybrid). The Paralegal and Administrative Support Manager oversees and manages the daily operations of the Paralegal and Secretarial Departments, including staff management and integration, training and development, organizational planning and process improvement. In addition, responsibilities include working with Firm management across offices to help with department-wide initiatives and cross-office staffing needs. The Paralegal and Administrative Support Manager:

• Assesses, assigns, manages, trains, evaluates and schedules staff in the Paralegal and Secretarial Departments.

• Coordinates and oversees daily operations, assignments and workflow within relevant departments.

• Consults with attorneys and devises departmental assessment plans to assure proper daily and long-term workflow and assignments of attorney/secretarial teams.

• Actively monitors individual and department utilization and productivity.

• Works with various department managers in the Palo Alto office to further integrate the overall operational impact of relevant departments.

• Meets with attorneys regularly to continually assess work patterns and operational support required for new cases and overall case management.

• Consults regularly with the Office Administrative Director and the Director, Paralegal Services Department and other senior managers in New York office in the creation and implementation of team programs and initiatives, as well as regarding the status of employees’ work performance.

• Provides leadership and continued professional development guidance and mentorship, including the advancement of training initiatives.

• Collaborates with the peer managers in Paralegal and Secretarial Services departments, along with Palo Alto management team, to increase departmental efficiency, strengthen employee knowledge and abilities, improve leadership and maintain high level service support to attorneys and clients.

• Assists with creation of annual departmental budgets and monitors throughout the year.

• Assists Palo Alto Office Administrative Director and Human Resources Manager in developing and facilitating organizational development, performance and management development programs.

• Works with Human Resources on recruitment for positions within relevant departments. Meets with candidates and provides feedback to Human Resources as integral part of recruitment process.

• Ensures current knowledge of Firm policies and practices for staff, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for staff.

• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.

• Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems.

• Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.

• Monitors time, attendance, overtime and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.

• Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness and excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.

• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures.

• Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services.

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.

• Manages Firm resources responsibly.

• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.

• Performs other related duties as ass