Section Operations Manager

The Section Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative, operational, and business functions of the Firm’s practice section. This role ensures that section workflows, client relations, financial performance, technology use, and staffing are aligned with the Firm’s strategic goals and compliance requirements. The Section Manager partners closely with the Section Head and the Firm’s COO, supports section attorneys and staff, while driving efficiency, productivity, profitability, and exceptional client service.Key ResponsibilitiesSection Operations & AdministrationManage the daily operations of the section, ensuring efficient staffing, workflow, and service delivery across a high-volume caseload.Develop, implement, and maintain section-specific operational policies, procedures, and best practices in coordination with firm-wide standards.Monitor section productivity and case cycle times, and identify opportunities for process improvement, and implement improvements as requested.Coordinate facilities needs, vendor relationships, and procurement activities as they affect the section.Ensure business continuity and operational readiness given the section’s deadline-driven caseload.Staff ManagementSupervise section legal assistants, paralegals, case managers, and administrative staff.Partner with the Section Head on staffing needs, workload distribution, and performance management.Support employee engagement initiatives within the section.Ensure compliance with employment laws (timecard and PTO approvals), workplace policies, and firm standards.Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture within the section.Financial ManagementReview key financial and productivity metrics (billable hours, realization, collections recovery rates) and prepare operational reports for the Section Head and firm leadership.Support revenue cycle management and billing processes specific to section matters, including assessment recovery and client billing arrangements.Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining service quality.Legal Operations & ComplianceEnsure section operations comply with legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements, including deadlines arising under the Texas Property Code and applicable court rules.Maintain confidentiality and security of client information and firm records.Oversee document management systems, docket and deadline tracking, and records retention procedures for the section.Support attorneys in optimizing case management workflows for a high-volume litigation docket across justice, county, and district courts.Matter & Caseload SupportImplement workflow improvements that increase throughput and accuracy across a high-volume, deadline-driven docket.Support quality assurance measures to reduce filing errors, missed deadlines, and escalations from boards or management companies.Track section caseload metrics and flag matters approaching statutory or court-imposed deadlines.Technology & Systems ManagementOversee legal practice management software, document management systems, and matter-tracking tools used by the section.Partner with IT providers to maintain system security and functionality.Evaluate and implement technology solutions, including automation for high-volume collections workflows, that enhance productivity and client service.Ensure section personnel adherence to data protection standards.Client Experience & Business Development SupportEnsure exceptional service standards for clients.Work alongside client services to develop systems for tracking client satisfaction and responding to concerns.Support marketing and business development initiatives.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Legal Studies, or a related field preferred.Master’s degree, legal administration certification, or relevant professional credentials are a plus.Experience5+ years of operations management experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.Experience managing teams, budgets, and business operations.Experience with a high-volume litigation caseload (collections, foreclosure, or similarly deadline-driven practice areas) is a plus.Skills & CompetenciesStrong leadership and team management abilities.Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent matters and deadlines.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.Proficiency with legal practice management and case management software.Ability to analyze processes and implement operational improvements.High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Client satisfaction and retention ratesCase cycle time and matter throughput across the section’s docketCollections recovery rate and billing realizationOperational efficiency and workflow improvement metricsEmployee productivity and engagement levelsBudget adherence and cost managementOn-time compliance with statutory and court-imposed deadlinesTechnology adoption and system performanceBenefitsCompetitive salaryPerformance-based bonus opportunitiesEmployer-provided medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off and holidays401K matchCollaborative and growth-oriented work environmentThis job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.