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Our highly regarded client is seeking a Director, Professional Resources & Administration to lead and manage all aspects of legal professional resources, legal support, business services, and office operations in their Calgary office. This is a senior leadership role working closely with firm leadership to support lawyers, students, and staff, while ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the office.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Chief Professional Resources Officer and working in close collaboration with the Calgary Managing Partner, the Director is responsible for the full lifecycle management of legal professionals, oversight of student programs, and coordination of office operations and professional resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the lifecycle of legal professionals, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, leaves of absence, secondments, and outplacement
• Act as the primary point of contact for legal professionals prior to and upon joining the firm, addressing feedback, retention matters through day to day consultation, partner and associate relations, and providing coaching and professional development guidance.
• Develop and implement office-wide and legal professional specific initiatives, including mentorship and coaching programs, DEI programs, and training and development programs, in collaboration with colleagues in Toronto.
• Monitor workload allocation by working closely with practice group leaders to understand the organization and the needs of the business.
• Oversee the Calgary law student recruitment process, including attending law school career fairs, coordinating firm tours and panels for candidates and law school groups, reviewing student applications, conducting on-campus interviews, and leading the interview week hiring process.
• Oversee the Calgary student program, including orientation of new students, overseeing performance management, workload allocation, student education programs, and acting as a key point of contact for students; plan and attend related social events
• Work closely with Director, Legal Support Manager, Legal Support and Student Programs and Manager, Client Services & Tech Support with respect to the management of the legal support and business services provided to the office, ensuring exceptional service is delivered, and resources are utilized in the most efficient manner possible.
• Provide oversight to the Manager, Client Services & Tech Support, on all office services related matters. This includes overseeing the maintenance and repair of physical office space and equipment, including boardroom AV systems, and coordinate all interoffice moves, including office allocation, furniture, computer and phone requirements; manage facilities functions, including liaising with building management and external vendors regarding maintenance of premises; coordinating and recommending the acquisition, lease or rent of office equipment and furniture; liaising with the Chief, Client and Facility Services and brokers re firm premises insurance; overseeing related matters including parking, HVAC, repairs, lighting, keys, security; liaising with building management and security to ensure high level of security and safety for all lawyers and staff, including coordinating annual life safety and emergency response training.
• Work with the COO, CPRO and CHRO to develop annual Calgary office and employee operating budgets, including monitoring and managing Professional Resources, Human Resources and Facility Services expenses in line with established budgets, ensuring management is kept aware of significant variances to plans. Review and manage firm accounts and contracts with vendors; communicate with senior management on any unplanned expenses that will result in budget overage.
• Provide guidance, coaching and developmental support to direct reports to ensure that they are engaged, delivering on their accountabilities and meeting department and firm service standards.

Qualifications

• An LLB or JD degree
• Related experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment
• Strong knowledge of legal markets and the legal professional landscape

Core Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong leadership and consultation skills and client service orientation
• Excellent project management skills and a demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complex projects
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and execute efficiently and thoughtfully
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively (written and verbal) to a broad range of audiences, including senior management, partners, and clients, including in order to influence stakeholders and motivate people towards mutually agreeable outcomes
• Proven ability to establish and build trust-based working relationships with stakeholders and team members at all levels
• Flexible to travel periodically and to work evenings and weekends as required
• Creative, strategic, analytical, and forward thinker

Our client is offering the following:

• Competitive base salary
• Competitive bonus incentives
• Continuing education incentives
• Excellent family health care benefits

If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career with a highly regarded national law firm, we invite you to apply via LinkedIn or submit your resume in confidence directly to Stacy Cowan at stacy@urbanlegal.ca

Urban Legal Recruitment is committed to discretion and confidentiality. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.