Legal Operations Manager

Legal Operations Manager

Department: Law

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Remote

Reporting To: James Kearns

Description

As the Legal Operations Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and compliance of Sumer Law. You will oversee various operational, financial, technology, compliance and HR tasks to support our growing team and client base. Our firm prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of practice management and delivering exceptional client services. We are in a high growth stage and in turn are looking for a highly skilled, competent and ambitious legal operations manager to join us on the journey.

Key Responsibilities

Operational strategy and efficiency

• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational workflows within the firm.
• Collaborate with client facing staff to identify and solve operational bottlenecks
• Use technology to automate and streamline processes including case management systems document automation and billing procedures
• Track and report on key performance indicators related to legal operations and the wider business

Practice management

• Assist the Head of Legal with people management and leadership initiatives
• Be the principal operational point of contact for Sumer Law with key colleagues across the wider Sumer Group

Technology and innovation

• Manage the Sumer Law tech-stack day to day (iManage, Actionstep, iDeals), and lead the evaluation, selection and implementation of new legal technology solutions and integrations.
• Train staff on new systems and processes ensuring smooth adoption across the firm
• Manage relationships with external vendors including IT support, legal tech providers and other third party services
• Negotiate contracts and service agreements to ensure value for money

Compliance and risk management

• Ensure that the firm remains compliant with all applicable regulations, including managing the firms risk and compliance procedures
• Manage the firms risk assessments, file audits and conflict checks
• Oversee AML processes and ensure compliance with professional standards
• Liaise with relevant authorities on regulatory matters as needed

Financial and budget management

• Liaise with Sumer's central finance department in managing legal budgets, forecasting and cost control.
• Monitor legal spend, track billing cycles and ensure timely invoicing and collections.
• Assist in pricing strategies and fee arrangement processes ensuring profitability.

Project management

• Manage firm wide projects related to operations, compliance and technology implementation
• Oversee process improvement projects to enhance client service delivery
• Ensure projects are completed on time and within budget

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Proven experience in operational management within a legal environment
• Strong understanding of legal operations, compliance, and risk management frameworks
• Solid financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
• Experience leading firm-wide projects, ideally involving technology implementation and process improvement.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with strong project management and time management skills
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across practice groups and wider business functions
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify bottlenecks and design efficient workflows

At Sumer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just as buzzwords, but as the heartbeat of our team. Our recruitment practices reflect this commitment, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating an environment where every candidate feels respected and supported throughout the hiring process.

Everyone is unique and we understand that each individual may have distinct needs to showcase their best selves during interviews. Our commitment is to offer personalised support for all candidates. Let our team know how we can bring out your fullest potential.