Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking a Senior Manager, Paralegal Program. This position will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and managing world-class paralegal and litigation docketing services for the US-based offices of the firm. Working closely with the eDiscovery and Litigation Technical teams, this position will provide comprehensive support for lawyers managing cases within the firm and off-site, including at trial.

Essential Functions

Program Development and Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive paralegal program that aligns with the firm's goals and objectives.
• Design and update curriculum, training materials, and resources for paralegals.
  

Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, and train paralegals, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
• Provide ongoing guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations for paralegal staff.
  

Compliance And Ethics

• Ensure that the paralegal program complies with all relevant legal regulations, ethical standards, and industry best practices.
• Promote and enforce ethical conduct and confidentiality among paralegals.
  

Professional Development

• Identify opportunities for the professional growth and advancement of paralegals within the firm.
• Coordinate continuing education and training programs to keep paralegals updated on legal developments.
  

Resource Allocation:

• Manage the allocation of paralegal resources to different practice areas and cases, ensuring optimal utilization.
  

Quality Control

• Implement quality control measures to maintain high standards of work produced by the paralegal team.
  

Reporting And Metrics

• Track and report on key performance metrics and program effectiveness to firm leadership.
• Develop and manage the budget for the paralegal program, including resource allocation and cost control.
• Collaborate with attorneys and legal teams to ensure paralegals provide efficient and effective support to clients.
  

Technology Integration

• Stay current with legal technology tools and software, integrating them into the paralegal program to improve efficiency and productivity.
  

Budget Management

• Review and approve work products to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm standards.
  

Client Service

• Collaborate with attorneys and legal teams to ensure paralegals provide efficient and effective support to clients.
  

Technology Integration

• Stay current with legal technology tools and software, integrating them into the paralegal program to improve efficiency and productivity.
  

Budget Management

• Develop and manage the budget for the paralegal program, including resource allocation and cost control.
  

Reporting And Metrics

• Track and report on key performance metrics and program effectiveness to firm leadership.
  

Nonessential Functions

• Administrative tasks associated with managing the paralegal and docketing programs
• Complete other duties as assigned
  

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS from an accredited college or university in paralegal studies or related field; master’s degree or JD preferred
• Significant experience as a paralegal or substantially related field with proven track record of progressively responsible roles.
• Previous leadership or management experience highly desirable.
• Comprehensive understanding of legal principles, procedures, and regulations, with the ability to stay updated on legal developments.
  

Success Factors

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: recognize problems or situations that are new or without clear precedent; evaluate alternatives and find solutions using a systematic, multi-step approach; develop improvements and innovations to enhance performance.
• Decision-Making: understand how and when to make a choice; how and when to escalate issues to higher levels; analyze the risks and future impact of decisions; make decisions and take timely independent action in pursuit of priorities.
• Impeccable communication and organizational skills: excellence in both written and oral communications whether in person, on the phone, or email; able to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines; able to organize self and work environment for efficiency and ready access to critical information
• Initiative and creativity: identify areas for improvement within personal areas of responsibility, group, department and firm; develop unique and new approaches to address existing challenges and/or positively affect lawyer productivity, client service, and overall fiscal health of the firm
• Team leadership: ability to hire, develop and retain a high-quality work force whether directly employed by the firm or outsourced; ability to inspire others by creating a vision and gaining buy-in from those important to achieving strategic and operational goals.
  

Work Environment

• Non-smoking environment
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule
• Remote working is available for this position; available to work in the office as required
• Available to work beyond regular hours when necessary
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and stressful situations
  

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.