Director of Legal Operations

The Director of Legal Operations is responsible for driving the operational efficiency of the Legal Department, overseeing and optimizing the department's workflows, technology systems, processes and reporting. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to the General Counsel and a collaborative partner across the company.

What you will do here:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee the legal support staff performing day-to-day operations of the Legal Department, ensuring seamless workflows among attorneys, contract managers, and paralegals. Evaluate current processes to identify opportunities to gain efficiencies. Develop and implement business processes that support credit union objectives.
• Technology Management: Own and manage legal technology tools to automate workflows and optimize performance. Support the implementation, deployment, and consistent use of legal technology stack (e.g., Streamline, Ironclad, Safari, and Legal Tracker). Lead projects to evaluate, select, and implement new technology systems as needed. Develop training and support to legal team members on new systems and tools.
• Reporting: Utilize data analytics to monitor and report on performance metrics, trends, and areas for improvement within legal operations. Assist the General Counsel in the development of reports that will provide measurable insight to the Legal Department’s priorities, value, and opportunities.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee relationships with outside counsel ensuring effective billing practices and budget alignment. Manage the Legal Department's budget including forecasting, invoicing, and expense tracking. Provide insights and recommendations for cost optimization and budget efficiency.
• Collaboration & Training: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Finance, IT, and other business units, to ensure alignment and integration of legal operations with broader business objectives. Develop training materials and conduct sessions to educate internal stakeholders on legal processes, tools, and best practices. Foster strong relationships across departments, promoting trust, open communication, and a client-service-oriented approach.
• Strategic Support: Act as a key advisor and operational partner to the General Counsel, supporting strategic initiatives and decision-making. Lead change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

What you will need:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Management, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 8 years of legal operations experience required.
• 5 years of leadership experience required.
• Strong understanding of legal processes, including contract management and regulatory compliance required.
• Demonstrated experience managing contract management and other legal technology systems required.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail required.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, oversee invoicing processes, and implement cost-saving measures required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and build relationships at all levels required.
• Experience leading projects and change management initiatives in a legal or corporate environment required.
• Proactive, problem-solving mindset with a passion for driving operational excellence required.
• Data analytics skills required.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

For additional information about our organization, careers, and benefits visit: http://www.desertfinancial.com/careers.