Manager, Legal Operations

The Manager of Legal Operations is responsible for supporting Legal Services ability to provide board support and legal services in an efficient, cost-effective and customer friendly manner by focusing on the operational, financial and reporting needs of the Department. This position will focus on assisting the General Counsel's implementation of strategic direction for the Department by developing, implementing and improving processes, establishing and reporting on various metrics, supporting the development of knowledge management tools and supporting effective use of resources. 
 
This position will also:  
1) manage and supervise Legal Services Unit administrative staff,
2) support  internal and external communications of the General Counsel and Legal Services, including preparation of presentations, memoranda, meetings and other activities;
3) assist monitoring of organizational activities and meeting timelines and organizational obligations;
4) prepare draft reports for the Board of Governors meetings and other committees as requested;
5) lead special internal projects, and participate in committees and task forces, as assigned;
6) Respond to requests for information as needed.  In addition, this position will serve as a project manager on Legal Services activities and leads cross functional teams as assigned. 

Duties

Serves as Legal Services Departmental lead to establish and implement operations and process improvement  initiatives to improve departmental quality of services, efficiency, transparency and accountability under the direction of General Counsel. Conducts follow-up with staff and stakeholders for relevant projects. Conducts research, analyzes data and manages multiple priorities.
 
Assembles and manages Department dashboards to report metrics in support of Departmental goals. Leads and participates in internal and cross-functional workgroups. Leads activities and projects, as assigned. Maintains project documentation and tracks projects to ensure deadlines are met and goals are achieved. Serves as liaison to L.A. Care committees and task forces as assigned. Prepares organized and concise briefings for the General Counsel on projects related to business transformation including progress updates, challenges and timelines. Establishes and implements appropriate metrics to drive positive results.
 
Provides project management direction for substantive legal issues and matters for Legal Services initiatives. Manages the review of specified contracts and other analysis to ensure timeliness and efficiency. Researches, plans and implements specific projects to assist the Department and General Counsel achieve organizational goals and objectives. Conducts follow-up with staff and stakeholder for relevant projects. Assists in prioritizing and managing multiple priorities. Leads and participates in workgroups as required. Communicates Legal Services priorities and feedback to key staff members.  
 
Implements General Counsel's strategic initiatives by identifying tactics, assuring completion of appropriate actions and establishing dashboards to report on applicable metrics to accomplish positive results.
Manages assigned Legal Services administrative staff and provides guidance to others to support effective and orderly day to day operation and activities of unit including hiring of staff. Establishes work activities, sets goals, evaluates performance and sets compensation.  
 
Trains and provides guidance to attorney staff within areas of operational expertise.  Provides administrative support as necessary.  Provides direction to staff on projects, resolves and responds to questions and issues raised by senior management, staff, providers and third-parties. 
 
Develops and prepares Legal Services budget and coordinates with Accounting regarding budget versus actual expenses. Oversees outside counsel invoice approval and spend  in consultation with [In practice, this is more collaborative, particularly when in connection with developing the budget.] internal assigned counsel, obtains appropriate authorizations in accordance with our policies.

Required:
At least 5 years demonstrated successful project and operations management experience, including strong qualitative, analytical and communication skills in an administrative or operations position involving legal, human resources, or health care issues.  
At least 3-4 years of supervisory/management experience.
Prior experience in drafting, reviewing, developing and providing operational advice on wide range of contracts and procurement processes.
Knowledge and experience in contracting,  procurement processes and general best practices.
Experience  performing legal  research within the scope of Board Services, General Legal Services and Health Care Legal Services.
 
Preferred: 
Work experience as legal administrator in law firm or legal corporation.
Experience in a healthcare setting such as HMO/health plan or other managed care setting. 

Skills

 
Required:
Knowledge of the healthcare environment in Los Angeles County; organizational, operational and financial trends and timelines; and trends in health care law and policy and public entity law.  
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Word, Excel, and Power Point; SharePoint; database (Access etc.); e-billing and matter management tools, specifically the Salesforce platform.
Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively work with staff at all levels of the organization. 
Persuasion Skills:
This position will need to have sufficient communication skills to stand in for, communicate on behalf of and convey the authority of the General Counsel, as needed. 
Strong leadership skill, with a genuine desire to help, grow and scale the entire team. 
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain trust and relationships.
Excellent program/project management skills, and demonstrated ability to build and implement scalable and efficient processes and systems, both from the ground up and with a view of continuous improvement. 
Outstanding analytical, data and financial skills. 
Unquestionable ethics and integrity; handles confidential and sensitive information with professionalism. 
Have, or will need to gain, an appreciation of the unique position as both a public agency and a highly regulated entity and the sensitive role Legal Services inhabits. 
Must understand the strategic and policy initiatives of the organization, the general functions and interrelationships of the various departments and be able to maintain the utmost level of confidentiality.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Licenses/Certifications Preferred