Assistant Manager: Legal Practice Support

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Secretarial department in our Chicago office, as an Assistant Manager: Legal Practice Support.

The Assistant Manager: Legal Practice Support, provides leadership and oversight to legal practice and support assistant teams, ensuring efficient workflows, effective distribution of assignments, and consistent delivery of high-quality attorney support.

Essential Functions: 

• Coordinate daily operations and oversee task allocation across legal support teams to ensure efficient workflow and support functions
• Assess staffing needs and recommend assignments based on workload, team strengths, and coverage requirements for vacations, medical leave, trials, and other absences
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across teams and U.S. offices to evaluate procedures, implement standardized solutions, and support the rollout of system improvements and firm-wide initiatives
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend solutions to improve productivity and enhance overall support operations
• Oversee electronic workflow systems to maintain compliance, ensure consistency, and optimize operational efficiency
• Participate in annual budget planning by projecting staffing requirements and associated operational costs
• Monitor employee performance, attendance, and conduct; deliver coaching and corrective feedback as needed; escalate issues to HR when appropriate and maintain thorough documentation of related discussions
• Conduct performance evaluations and salary reviews in alignment with Firm standards
• Participate in the recruitment process, including interviewing and evaluating candidates
• Facilitate the onboarding process for new hires and attorneys to ensure a smooth transition, access to firm resources, and a clear understanding of role expectations, departmental procedures, and professional standards
• Organize and lead training initiatives to enhance administrative competencies and support professional career growth
• Maintain open communication with attorneys and staff to anticipate needs, resolve issues, and foster a collaborative, high-morale work environment
• Review staff overtime submissions for accuracy and completeness; compile and submit biweekly reports to Payroll in alignment with timekeeping policies
• Manage milestone celebrations, including luncheons, cake events, and speeches, to recognize team achievements and promote engagement
• Mentor student interns to foster professional development and introduce them to firm culture and expectations
• Pursue continuing education opportunities to expand skills and knowledge relevant to the role
• Assist with special projects and perform additional tasks as needed to support firm goals, including document management, report preparation, and ad hoc requests from management

Education/Training/Certifications:

• College degree preferred

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience preferred
• Prior experience in a legal administrative or secretarial role strongly preferred

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Familiarity with standard administrative practices and professional phone communication

Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities, and collaborate well with others
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skill

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Provides effective leadership and supervision
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements: 

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical pay scale for this position is between $103,000 and $136,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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