East Coast Transactional Paralegal Program Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and alternative asset management; restructurings; high-stakes commercial and intellectual property litigation; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,500 lawyers) operating from 20 offices across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The East Coast Transactional Paralegal Manager will oversee transactional paralegals in the firm’s east coast offices. This position will work in close coordination with Firmwide Director of Transactional Paralegal Program and local leadership to support and develop consistent firmwide benchmarks and standards, the firm’s core values and business support pillars. The Manager monitors workloads, tracks billable hours and realization levels, compiles statistical reports including work assignments.  The Manager develops individual performance plans, assists with the annual paralegal review process, and works with the firm’s recruiting team. The Manager will orient new paralegals, identify process improvements, lead, and develop project plans.  The Manager must have experience in management of staff, including reviewing the work of others, providing training, and allocating resources.  Relevant experience in a mid to large size law firm, professional service firm, or a corporate or financial services organization is preferred.    Experience working in a matrix management environment is required. Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of paralegal support services, and processes in a law firm or corporate/financial environment.  Excellent oral and written communication skills with the proven ability to interact effectively with attorneys, staff and clients is critical.  Candidates must have strong attention to detail and organizational skills and be able to work efficiently and prioritize assignments.  Candidates must be responsive to requests, follow-up and be able to provide excellent customer service in a professional, respectful, and positive manner.  Expert proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Word, is required.  Undergraduate degree required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Monitor paralegal hours including both billable and non-billable.
• Prepare analysis reports on aspects of the Paralegal Program.
• Assist with staffing paralegals and junior paralegals on matters across offices.
• Provide oversight to regional paralegals and paralegal coordinator.
• Assist with the management of the Paralegal Review system and process; monitor and track reviews, evaluations; follow-up as needed.
• Coordinate recruiting efforts; collaborate with Transactional Paralegal Management to maintain hiring standards and procedures.
• Assist with interview and paralegal hiring decisions.
• Monitor and adjust staffing levels in conjunction with paralegal management teams and practice groups across offices.
• Lead regular meetings of paralegals.
• Collaborate with other practice support departments, to meet client needs effectively and efficiently.
• Provide logistical support for Paralegal Program training programs.

OTHER FUNCTIONS (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Any other function/duties as assignment by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills

Qualified candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of experience working in the legal industry, professional service firm, or a corporate or financial service organization, in a management or practice development role and have a proven track record in effective management of staff.  Undergraduate degree is required.  The ideal candidate will have experience or familiarity in Transactional practice areas and have demonstrated excellent skill levels in:

• Conflict Resolution- ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner and work well in group problem solving situations.
• Interpersonal Skills- ability to maintain confidentiality, give feedback, contribute to building a positive work environment while exhibiting sound and accurate judgment.
• Team Building - ability to collaborate on special projects, participate in team-oriented environments and contribute creatively to development of the organization.

Technologies/Software

• Advanced knowledge of standard office technology applications such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and working familiarity with legal databases, records management (LegalKey) and electronic discovery support tools.   

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

For applicants who are based in New York City, visit the following link for pay range information: http://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/pages/JOBID7413

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.. #LI-SB1 #LI-Hybrid