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Duke University Job Description: |
Job Title: LEGAL OPERATIONS, MGR |
Job Code: 1735 |
FLSA: E |
Job Level: 15 |
Revised Date: 03/10/2026 |
Job Family: JF 28 |
The Legal Operations Manager is responsible for key administrative and operational functions that support the Office of Counsel. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience supporting a complex legal organization (ideally in-house at a higher-education institution or health system) and will bring a deep understanding of the business and operational aspects of a legal office, excellent judgment, a client service orientation, and total discretion in handling confidential materials and information. This role supports a variety of operational and administrative responsibilities for the Office of Counsel and partners closely with Duke and Duke University Health System stakeholders and outside law firms to drive consistent, compliant, and efficient delivery of legal operations services.
Lead Legal HR administrative activities for Office of Counsel team members, including recruiting support, onboarding and offboarding, iForms submission and tracking, and related HR workflows such as training coordination and tracking, physical security/access processes (e.g., building access and parking), and other administrative responsibilities.
Support the vendor onboarding process for outside counsel engagements. Support outside counsel relationships by coordinating with outside law firms' billing coordinators to ensure accurate data (e.g., timekeeper billing rates, matter identification, etc.) is entered into Brightflag and maintained with a focus on data integrity. Implement strategies to manage outside counsel expenses.
Serve as the e-billing subject matter expert, providing administrative support to Office of Counsel team members and driving matter and e- billing workflows. Prepare regular and ad hoc spend reports, and monitor compliance with negotiated budgets, alternative fee arrangements, and Duke's Guidelines for Outside Counsel.
In connection with implementation of new technologies and tools, develop and deliver training for Office of Counsel team members, maintain a knowledge library, and provide technical support as the Legal Operations subject matter expert. Partner with the Director of Legal Operations to gather user feedback (including semi-annual interviews) and to support implementation work with internal teams, including OIT.
Develop data analytics reports and dashboards to track operational efficiency goals and support reporting on outside counsel spend and related trends. Translate data into actionable insights and flag risks or opportunities for operational improvement.
Partner with the Vice President and General Counsel and the Director of Legal Operations to centralize operational processes, reduce duplicative work, and improve efficiency across the Office of Counsel.
The above is not a full summary of the work performed, and the Legal Operations Manager will perform other duties as assigned.
| Education/Training: | Work requires a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). |
| Experience: | Work requires a minimum of seven years of total progressive professional experience, and experience in the following areas is preferred: Experience working in-house at a higher-education institution or health system legal office, with experience supporting the operations of a legal team. Experience supporting Legal HR/administrative operations. Experience with e-billing and matter management systems; Brightflag knowledge is a plus. Experience with vendor onboarding/engagement processes and reporting/data analytics. Substantial and progressive experience managing processes and driving operational improvements. |
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The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.