Section Manager, Practice Operations Strategic Solutions

Overview

The Law Department's Practice Operations Strategic Solutions team is seeking an initiative-taking candidate who can exercise independent judgment and make sound business decisions regarding paraprofessional operations in key practice areasincluding Commercial Transactions, Energy & Environmental Law, Legal Services and Labor, Employment & Benefitswhile overseeing resource allocation, optimizing workflow management, and driving process improvements to enhance overall efficiency. The Section Manager is responsible for managing, supervising, training, and coordinating the activities of the Law Department's Practice Operations Strategic Solutions, specifically the functions of the paraprofessionals. The selected candidate will closely collaborate with their peers on the team, the broader Practice Operations team and strategic partners/stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

- Manage, supervise, train and coordinate the activities of the paraprofessionals.

- Establish performance standards; plan, organize, schedule and assign resources to effectively meet workloads within the operation and improve productivity; ensure efficient, accurate and timely performance of activities of the section; develop productivity measures and monitor performance against objective productivity and efficiency criteria; gather and analyze data to identify and monitor areas for improvement in productivity and efficiency of staff.

- Review current processes and procedures for efficiencies and automation. Develop and implement office policies, protocols, and procedures for the Law Departments matter management system.

- Prepare statistical reports and assist the Department Manager in preparing quarterly and annual reports, and other reporting as needed.

- Review and approve expenditures for expert witnesses, medical examinations, and other litigation expenses.

- Participate in cross-functional teams and perform other related tasks and assignments as required. Responsible for contractor oversight of outsourced litigation support functions and review invoices to ensure accurate billing for provided services.

- Hire and train new staff; provide plans for cross-training and succession planning for all direct reports.

- Manage compliance with and use of web-based systems for mandated e-filing/retrieval of documents from courts throughout the City of New York.

- Working knowledge of the procedural aspects of the New York State Civil Practice Laws and Rules (CPLR), and Federal, State, and City environmental regulations is preferred.

- Strong computer skills and proficiency with legal, word-processing, spreadsheets, and database packages including: Information Management System (IMS), Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, Oracle, Westlaw or LexisNexis, and CourtAlert. Knowledge of Law Manager.

- Notary Public license is required. Perform other related tasks and assignments as required.

- Assist the company during emergencies, which includes being on-call for events during which investigations are conducted, and perform a System Emergency Assignment. This may require off-hour, holiday and weekend response.

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

- Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of work experience. Experience with high-volume litigation, court processes, and managing within a law firm or law department.

Relevant Work Experience

- 3-5 years Supervising management and/or union staff, required.

- 3-5 years Supervisory experience in a law firm or law department, and other expertise in court and litigation processes, are required

- 8-10 years Extensive knowledge of court rules and procedures, required.

Skills and Abilities

- Effective conflict management skills

- Well organized, detail oriented and flexible to handle multiple assignments

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

Licenses and Certifications

- Driver's License Required

- Other: Paralegal Certificate Preferred

- Other: Notary Public license is required (within 6 months of start) Required

Physical Demands

- Sit or stand to use a keyboard, mouse, and computer for the duration of the workday

Additional Physical Demands

- The selected candidate will be assigned a System Emergency Assignment (i.e., an emergency response role) and will be expected to work non-business hours during emergencies, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

- Must be able and willing to travel within O&R and CECONY service territory, as needed.

- Must be available 24/7, and available to be on call and/or participate in off-hour emergency response activities as required.