The Head of Litigation and Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the litigation department and ensuring efficient operational management within the firm. This position involves strategic planning, team leadership, and direct involvement in complex legal matters. The role requires a deep understanding of legal processes, strong management skills, and the ability to drive the firm’s litigation strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Litigation Management:

- Lead and manage all aspects of the firm’s litigation cases, including case strategy, development, and execution.

- Represent clients in high-stakes litigation, including court appearances, mediations, and arbitrations.

- Provide strategic legal advice to clients, assessing risks and developing case strategies to achieve favorable outcomes.

- Supervise and mentor a team of litigators, paralegals, and support staff, ensuring high-quality work and professional development.

- Oversee the preparation and review of legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and briefs.

- Manage case budgets, timelines, and resources effectively to ensure efficient case handling and cost control.

- Stay current with changes in laws, regulations, and industry trends to maintain the firm's competitive edge in litigation.

Operations Management:

- Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to optimize the firm’s efficiency and effectiveness.

- Oversee the allocation of resources, including staffing and workload distribution, to ensure balanced caseloads and timely completion of tasks.

- Collaborate with other departments, such as finance and HR, to support firm-wide operational goals and initiatives.

- Implement and maintain case management systems and other technological tools to streamline processes and improve case tracking and documentation.

- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the litigation department, providing regular updates to senior management.

- Develop and maintain relationships with external vendors, including expert witnesses, investigators, and other legal service providers.

Client Relations and Business Development:

- Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a key point of contact for major clients in litigation matters.

- Collaborate with the business development team to identify opportunities for growth, including new client acquisition and expansion of existing client relationships.

- Participate in marketing and networking activities to enhance the firm's reputation and visibility in the legal community.

Qualifications:

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in litigation, with a track record of managing complex cases and leading a team.

- Strong understanding of litigation processes, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedures.

- Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to mentor and develop junior attorneys and staff.

- Superior analytical, research, and writing skills.

- Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, opposing counsel, and the judiciary.

- Proven ability to manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving strategic goals.

- Experience with case management software and other legal technology tools.