Legal Support and HR Administration Manager (Law Firm)

Company Description

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is a full-service law firm committed to helping clients achieve their goals through tailored legal solutions. With over 160 attorneys across offices in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, the firm serves a diverse range of clients, including public and private companies, government entities, non-profits, and individuals. Known for its client-focused approach, Shipman’s team invests significant time in understanding each client’s unique circumstances to provide effective and strategic counsel. The firm excels in navigating complex business transactions, resolving disputes, and supporting organizational growth.

Position Summary

The Legal Support and HR Administration Manager is responsible for the management, development, and performance of the firm’s Paralegals and Legal Practice Assistants (LPAs). This role operates within an integrated HR and Talent function and plays a key role in delivering coordinated, cross-functional people and operational support.

The position oversees a large legal support team while partnering closely with HR, Talent, attorneys, and firm leadership on recruiting, onboarding, performance management, staffing, and employee development. The role requires a highly collaborative, team-based approach with shared ownership of outcomes and active participation in firm-wide HR and Talent initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, mentor, and support a team of approx. 75 Paralegals and Legal Practice Assistants across all practice groups
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development support
• Partner with HR and Talent colleagues on employee relations matters and performance management strategies
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment aligned with firm and HR/Talent team standards

Recruitment & Onboarding (Integrated Delivery)

• Partner with HR and Talent team members to support recruiting efforts, including candidate evaluation and hiring decisions
• Coordinate onboarding activities in alignment with firm-wide HR/Talent processes and standards
• Support seamless integration of new hires through coordinated engagement across HR, Talent, and business leadership

Training & Professional Development

• Collaborate across HR and Talent functions to design and deliver training programs for legal support staff
• Ensure team members remain current on firm procedures, technology, and best practices through coordinated learning efforts
• Contribute to career pathing, development planning, mentorship, and continuing education initiatives as part of a broader talent strategy

Staffing & Workforce Management

• Manage daily staffing assignments and workload distribution across a large, multi-practice team
• Coordinate coverage for absences and shifting business needs in partnership
• Provide input into workforce planning, optimization and headcount strategy, aligning staffing models with firm priorities and industry standards

Operational Excellence & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with attorneys, practice leaders, and administrative departments to ensure consistent, high-quality legal support services
• Work collaboratively across the HR/Talent team to align processes, improve coordination, and enhance service delivery
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and contribute to continuous improvement across the firm, including cross office support
• Support firm-wide HR/Talent initiatives and projects, contributing beyond core functional responsibilities as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of experience managing legal support staff, paralegals, or professional services teams
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional environment
• Strong leadership, coaching, and performance management skills
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Experience with recruiting, workforce planning, and employee development
• Proficiency with timekeeping systems and Microsoft Office applications

Key Competencies

• Collaborative leadership and team development
• Cross-functional partnership and influence
• Employee relations and performance management
• Talent development and workforce planning
• Operational and staffing management
• Clear, professional communication
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Service orientation and continuous improvement

Integrated Operating Model Statement

This role operates within a unified HR and Talent model where responsibilities are shared across a collaborative, cross-functional team. Team members are expected to contribute beyond traditional functional boundaries to support firm-wide priorities and deliver consistent, high-qua…