Legal Staff Supervisor

Seattle, WA

At Perkins Coie, we look for individuals that are self-motivated, dedicated to providing value and superior services and, above all, people who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We’ve created a company culture that is based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work for one of the 100 Best Workplaces in America, get great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, your birthday off, and paid sabbaticals.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Coordinate daily non-lawyer functions of a legal department or practice group ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of value-added services to internal and external clients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

Assign legal practice assistant and attorney pairings.
Coordinate nonexempt workload, moving daily clerical assignments between legal practice assistants and teams for efficient completion of department legal work.
Monitor and approve employee absences; coordinate PTO requests; and arrange for department, freelance, or temporary coverage as needed.
Attend Legal Staff Supervisor meetings and serve as communication link between department and other departments within the firm.
Conduct interviews for new or replacement staff in coordination with the Personnel Recruiter and others, as appropriate.
Train new staff, monitoring proficiency and providing feedback on performance during initial 90-day evaluation period conferring with the Office Business Director, if necessary.
Assign department mentor for new business professionals.
Counsel nonexempt support staff regarding disciplinary actions and work-related concerns, resolving differences or seeking support from Legal Services Manager, Personnel Director or lawyers involved to rectify concerns.
Facilitate 90-day and annual nonexempt performance evaluations.
Coordinate office moves for attorneys and business professionals.
Monitor performance of temporary coverage through submission of evaluations.
Determine summer associate office and legal practice assistant assignments.
Maintain floor and/or department roster.
Perform other duties, as assigned.
Be present at work during regularly scheduled working hours and as needed in the position, consistent with the firm’s attendance expectations.

TRAVEL

This position may require limited travel.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to direct the workflow of employees in administrative positions. Ability to establish effective working relationships throughout operational groups.
Demonstrated administrative skills such as organizing, coordinating, and listening for effective supervision of clerical support.
Ability to counsel employees, demonstrating confidentiality and resourcefulness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School diploma or equivalent. Previous experience of three to five years as legal secretary and one year lead experience or equivalent. Previous experience working in human resources at a law firm preferred.