• WORK ARRANGEMENT: In-office (Oakland)
• REPORTS TO: Managing Partner
• DIRECT REPORTS: Yes
• COMPENSATION: Starting rate at $185,000/yr, commensurate with experience

Position Overview

The Director of Operations will serve as a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for the smooth, efficient, and compliant functioning of the firm’s day-to-day operations. This includes overseeing human resources, office administration, vendor relationships, recruiting, employee development, financial administration support, and general firm logistics.

This role is ideal for a systems-oriented professional with legal industry experience who can lead firm-wide initiatives and support a growing team with structure, clarity, and confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

• Oversee daily operations of the firm including facilities, scheduling, supplies, IT coordination, and vendor management
• Ensure the firm runs smoothly and efficiently through process improvement and systems implementation
• Coordinate with Managing Partner on execution of strategic goals and firm initiatives
• Serve as point-of-contact for third-party vendors, service providers, and internal departments

Human Resources & People Management

• Lead HR initiatives including recruitment, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance
• Support performance evaluation cycles, employee coaching, and conflict resolution
• Maintain and enforce internal policies, handbook updates, and legal compliance (particularly CA labor laws)
• Champion employee engagement and workplace culture across offices

Financial & Administrative Support

• Partner with accounting/bookkeeping on expense tracking, payroll coordination, and budget oversight
• Review vendor contracts, invoices, and spending controls
• Help implement cost-effective systems that support firm profitability and resource optimization

Recruitment & Talent Strategy

• Manage full-cycle recruitment for legal and administrative roles
• Develop long-term hiring strategies that align with firm growth goals
• Lead structured onboarding and offboarding processes to ensure compliance and retention

Professional Development & Culture

• Collaborate with team leaders to identify development plans and training programs
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, growth, and operational discipline
• Coordinate internal communications, meetings, and cross-team collaboration initiatives

Qualifications

• 7+ years of legal operations, professional services, or law firm management experience
• Deep knowledge of California employment law, HR practices, and legal compliance
• Demonstrated leadership in systems-building, team development, and cross-functional coordination
• Proficiency with legal software (e.g., Clio), HRIS systems, and office technologies
• Exceptional judgment, confidentiality, and communication skills
• HR Certification (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) a plus
• Bachelor’s degree required; JD or MBA is a strong plus