Legal Secretary Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Compensation: $110,000 – $120,000 base salary, plus bonus potential
Work Environment: Hybrid (4 days in/1 out)
Our client, a dynamic and growing mid-sized law firm based in Chicago, is seeking a Legal Secretary Manager to lead and support a team of legal secretaries, administrative clerks, a receptionist, and a records clerk. This role is central to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing administrative team that delivers exceptional service to attorneys and clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee daily workflow and workload distribution across the secretarial and administrative support teams
- Lead monthly team meetings and facilitate small group sessions to strengthen collaboration
- Partner with talent development and IT teams to recruit, onboard, and train support staff
- Coordinate technology training and competency assessments to enhance team capabilities
- Manage onboarding and orientation for new attorneys and support staff
- Facilitate assignment changes and ensure smooth transitions across teams
- Serve as a liaison between attorneys and support staff to resolve issues and maintain strong working relationships
- Lead performance management processes including mid-year check-ins, annual reviews, and progressive discipline when necessary
- Support offboarding processes and evaluate staffing needs in collaboration with leadership
- Organize and participate in firm-wide initiatives and recognition events for administrative staff
- Ensure compliance with firm policies and employment laws
- Prepare regular status reports and participate in leadership meetings
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of 7 years in a managerial role within the legal industry
- Proven experience managing teams of 10 or more
- Strong background in employee relations and conflict resolution
- Prior experience as a legal secretary is a plus
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PDF tools (e.g., Kofax Power PDF)
- Familiarity with document management systems and recruiting platforms
- Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
- Professional demeanor with a service-oriented mindset
What Our Client Offers:
- Competitive compensation and bonus structure
- Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, paid leave, disability coverage, and voluntary plans (dental, vision, 401(k), commuter benefits, FSA, and more)
- A hybrid work model
- A supportive and inclusive team culture
- Forward-thinking leadership and strategic growth initiatives
