Managing Director, Legal Services

Overview Join Goodwin's Global Operations Team and make an impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with leading investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors across life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, collaborating across functions to foster cross-functional learning, networking and collaboration. We partner with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. We are proud to have been recognised as the "Best Business Team" by The American Lawyer. This is an opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment with forward-thinking peers.

We are creating a leadership role to shape the way we deliver legal services. The Managing Director of Legal Services will oversee and unify all non-attorney timekeeper functions including paralegals, pro bono professionals, financial analysts, IP operations, and other emerging roles and teams. This leader will ensure these functions work together to deliver maximum client value, drive firm profitability, and free up attorneys to focus on the highest-value, strategic work.

In a landscape where the classic pyramid model of legal staffing is evolving, this role is critical. We seek a visionary builder and change leader who can help design the firm of the future.

What You Will Do

Responsibilities

Lead and inspire : Provide strategic leadership across all non-attorney professional teams, ensuring high performance, cohesion, and alignment with firm priorities.

Establish a vision and culture of innovation, collaboration and impact across diverse professionals.

Rethink and redesign service delivery : Challenge traditional staffing models and workflows; reimagine how legal services are delivered to clients.

Partner with attorneys, attorney development managers and practice managers to ensure the right work is done by the right people, in the right way, at the right cost.

Explore and pilot right-sourcing models for legal work, including automation, self-service, and technology-enabled solutions.

Maximize client value and firm profitability : Align initiatives with client priorities and measure value created; improve efficiency and scale while increasing profitability.

Develop metrics and dashboards with Business Intelligence & Analytics to provide visibility into value creation, cost management and team performance; promote use cases across relevant leaders and functions.

Champion innovation and technology : Drive adoption of advanced technology, automation, and AI to transform service delivery and design new models of legal service delivery.

Ensure ongoing evolution as client expectations, markets and technology shift.

Who You Are

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or related field) strongly preferred.

12+ years of progressive leadership experience in legal operations, professional services management, or related fields.

Proven success leading multi-disciplinary teams within a law firm, corporate legal department, or professional services organization.

Deep knowledge of legal operations, right-sourcing, and modern service delivery models.

Strong business and financial acumen; ability to balance client value with firm profitability.

Demonstrated ability to drive and deliver large-scale transformation and innovation.

Exceptional communication, influence and leadership skills with a track record of inspiring diverse teams.

Energized by the opportunity to redefine how legal services are delivered in a rapidly changing industry.

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Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including :

Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement & Savings Plan

Emergency back-up child and adult care

Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Employee recognition and reward programs

Employee wellness and assistance programs

Employee discounts and perks

Consistent with the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration. Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Goodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for employment and make employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status. To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process in the US, contact the Benefits Department by email or by phone at 617-570-1800. To request disability or neurodivergence related accommodations in the UK or Germany, please email the Recruiting Department. Any information you provide will be kept confidential and used only for the purpose of providing the needed accommodations. Requesting accommodations will not adversely affect the outcome of your application.

This position is not eligible for overtime. The target salary range for this position varies by location and is commensurate with relevant experience : $285,000.00 - $375,000.00

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