Stanford Law School seeks a full-time Associate Director of Operations/Senior Paralegal Manager to support the work of the clinics within the Mills Legal Clinic (MLC). The mission of all of the clinics within MLC is to provide law students with the practical experience of working with real clients and communities on real cases under the supervision of clinical faculty while offering superb pro bono representation to underserved individuals, communities and nonprofit organizations.
PURPOSE
The Associate Director of Operations/Senior Paralegal Manager will serve as a manager of numerous paralegal and legal assistant functions within the MLC, a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. The Associate Director of Operations will serve as primary supervisor of the Mills Legal Clinic’s Legal Administrative Associate. The Associate Director will also serve as primary supervisor for paralegal work on complex legal filings within the MLC, overseeing the work of our paralegal team in both litigation (state and federal courts and agencies) and non-litigation (transactional) settings. The Associate Director will be the lead supervisor for clinic onboarding and preparation for three clinical teaching quarters (the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters), providing structure, coordination, and task management guidance to our paralegal teams as they prepare for the teaching and service functions of the clinic in advance of each quarter. The Associate Director will be responsible for the clinic calendar, coordinating all clinic events over the course of an academic year, from the orientation and welcome receptions for each quarter to the clinic information sessions for prospective students. The Associate Director will also manage the registration process for clinics. The Associate Director reports to the Director of Operations and works closely with the Associate Dean for Clinical Education, clinical faculty directors, and with the SLS administrative and operational leadership. In the absence of the Director of Operations, may be deputized to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Clinic, as well as organize and lead staff meetings, community building events, and retreats.
CORE DUTIES:
- Independently implement, administer and evaluate day-to-day activities of the MLC clinical administrative pods and MLC operations, by identifying and executing tasks and objectives, making recommendations that impact policies and programs, and assigning resources to achieve the goals of the MLC.
- Supervise experienced paralegals and their teams on complex filings, accuracy, and compliance with court rules and procedures. Direct staff on onboarding the MLC students each quarter. Supervise and assign the tasks and responsibilities of the Mills Legal Clinic’s Legal Administrative Assistant, including creating or revising the policies and protocols governing the Clinic’s receptionist/front desk operations, client intake/referral process, and handling of incoming legal correspondence.
- Collect and analyze data, create reports, review and explain trends; formulate and evaluate alternative solutions and/or recommendations to achieve the goals of the program or function. For example, this position will manage the annual clinic student registration process, including generating reports of enrollment status that will help determine future clinical offerings.
- Analyze and interpret policies; develop, revise and implement operational procedures MLC staff. For example, conduct needs assessments to develop training modules and new procedures for paralegal and legal assistant teams.
- Represent the program or function as the key contact and subject matter expert within the MLC and across Stanford Law School. Commit resources and provide information and/or training. May also represent the program or function to external/internal stakeholders and constituencies. You will be responsible for overseeing and administering the MLC Practical Training of Law Students process in direct communication and accordance with the State Bar of California to ensure student certifications.
- Organize and/or participate in outreach activities that may include developing communications and training, planning/promoting events and/or conferences. This involves student-events for enrollment, orientation, welcome receptions and community building outreach. You will also prepare student-facing recruitment and informational materials, supervise outside web-system design vendors, and cross-team collaboration across SLS. Create training modules (e.g., Microsoft for paralegals, Editing and Proofreading Techniques, E-filing System Tutorials) to train paralegal and legal assistant teams on administrative and legal support skills.
- Approve expenditures and financial transactions for the MLC by verifying purchasing card and expenses. Act as Clinic petty cash custodian and monitor disbursement of petty cash funds in support of Clinic’s litigation needs – including transcript requests, court filing fees, procurements of case records, etc. Act as a backup, in the Directors absence, in approving financial transactions for 11 clinical programs.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with SLS administrative and operational teams; participate in Stanford administrative committees including the Stanford Administrative Champions and SLS Process Improvement teams.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in administrative and financial management, or combination of education and relevant experience. Paralegal experience strongly preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills including conflict resolution. Passionate about fostering an inclusive working environment and motivating others.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and communication skills.
- Strong negotiation and effective interpersonal skills.
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong expertise in computer applications and databases.
- Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
- Proven ability to independently exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, take initiative, and be flexible and professional at all times.
- Ability to work well with Stanford colleagues, Mills Legal Clinic clients and with external organizations.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS/EXPERIENCE
- Familiarity with the values and methodologies of public interest law practice or with other nonprofit mission strongly preferred.
- Exposure to indigent legal services strongly preferred.
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring and retaining staff.
HOW TO APPLY
Does your experience differ, but you know that you could do an outstanding job in this role? We want to hear from you!
Applicants must:
Submit a resume and cover letter via the Cardinal Careers website (search for job number: 104014).
Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled with an anticipated start date in late August.
