Role Summary
The Practice Manager oversees operational delivery, team leadership, financial processes, and cross-functional coordination for a busy litigation practice. The role serves as the main point of contact for operational and staffing matters and ensures smooth, efficient practice support.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Service Delivery
* Act as the first point of contact for operational queries; triage and escalate as needed.
* Lead monthly operations meetings, track actions, and provide updates.
* Maintain consistent processes across offices and handle operational escalations.
People Leadership
* Manage and develop the paralegal team, including recruitment, onboarding, performance reviews, and progression.
* Allocate workloads, balance capacity, and oversee utilisation tracking.
* Maintain mentoring frameworks and ensure trainees gain exposure to paralegal work.
* Embed organisational support-staff values into team routines.
Financial Coordination
* Monitor time recording, WIP, and disbursements with Finance; support accurate, timely billing.
* Contribute to budgeting and prepare operational reports or dashboards.
HR & Culture
* Support HR processes including probation, appraisals, and employee relations.
* Build strong relationships with HR, IT, Finance, and other support functions.
* Assist with recruitment activities.
External Liaison
* Coordinate logistics and payments with external counsel and suppliers.
* Represent the team at internal support-staff meetings.
Marketing & Profile
* Assist with legal directory submissions and practice-level BD activities.
General Duties
* Be the main contact for senior operational advisors.
* Provide troubleshooting support to partners.
* Organise team events and client dinners.
* Manage the team’s corporate card.
1. Skills & Experience
* Experience in legal practice management or similar operational leadership.
* Strong team-leadership and people-development skills.
* Excellent communication and cross-team collaboration.
* Financial process understanding (billing, budgeting, reporting).
* Confident with legal tech, document management, and e-filing tools.
* Proactive, solutions-driven, and committed to high-quality service.
* Able to work effectively at all levels and remain calm under pressure.
* Professional, adaptable, and well-organised.