Paralegal Supervisor

Washington, DC

Requisition Description

A global, AM Law 50 law firm has an opening for a Paralegal Supervisor supporting their Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia offices. 

The Opportunity 

The Paralegal Supervisor handles the day-to-day supervision and administration of the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia paralegal program, in addition to regular paralegal duties. The Supervisor performs other related department and firm duties as assigned and ensures client services and satisfaction are attained in all areas of position. 

Paralegal Responsibilities

• Coordinate workflow, establish priorities and assign projects as needed; review paralegal hours to help manage effective distribution of work and to help ensure hours expectations are met.  Proactively work with attorneys in all practice groups to help ensure the effective utilization of paralegals.
• Manage the evaluation process, including annual reviews, introductory reviews, and formal check-in meetings.  Ensure that substantive reviews are prepared and delivered in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Following Firm guidelines and performance goals, recommend compensation adjustments for paralegals, including merit increases, market adjustments, promotional adjustments, high personal services awards, etc.
• Ensure that performance issues are addressed appropriately, fairly, and efficiently.  Assist in the performance management counseling and termination processes for paralegals.  Collaborate closely with Human Resources throughout counseling processes.
• Ensure Firm policies and practices are followed; proactively promote consistency and fairness, maintain open door policy and promote open dialog.
• Ensure paralegals effectively meet client service objectives.  Maintain contact with the paralegals to determine workloads, training and technology needs, staffing issues and job satisfaction, to exchange information, and to address general concerns and issues.  Conduct regular meetings with paralegals.
• Report on office utilization and hours of paralegals; assist in developing and implementing programs, policies and procedures to address issues and concerns. 

Recruiting, Orientation and Training

• Participate in recruiting for paralegals, coordinate with Human Resources; assist in drafting job descriptions for open positions; coordinate orientation and training of new paralegals with Human Resources and the Director of Paralegal Services.
• Meet with new attorneys to provide an overview of the paralegal program and the services offered by the paralegals.
• Assist with the development and delivery of substantive paralegal training programs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of manuals, guidelines, checklists, and other training aids for paralegals.
• Assist in identifying and developing designated paralegals as training resources in various departments and practice groups as needed.
• In conjunction with the Information Technology Department, coordinate and implement training for paralegals in the use of computer technology in all relevant areas.
• May recommend and approve attendance at outside educational seminars and programs.
• May assist other managers and practice group heads in coordinating team training programs involving the coordinated activities of attorneys, paralegals and secretaries for the office. 

Administrative Management

• Monitor attendance, overtime and time records; review and approve weekly electronic time sheets; approve PTO requests and maintain PTO schedule for paralegals.
• Prepare and submit time notes for all billable work with reduced billable hours expectations.
• Help to ensure that monthly time note deadlines are met.
• Responsible for assigning work rooms and ensuring work rooms are properly utilized and maintained.

Ideal Candidate       

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of six years paralegal experience and previous supervisory experience in law firm is required.