Senior Director, Legal Support Services

At McCarthy Tétrault, we offer challenging and rewarding career opportunities and are delighted to have been selected for the eleventh consecutive year in 2023 as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. Our culture is built on professional excellence, collaboration, innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurialism. We embrace inclusion in all its forms and we provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential.

This position is based out of Toronto. McCarthy Tétrault employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

As a Senior Director, Legal Support Services, you will be:

PLANNING

• Identifying, planning and implementing key legal support services projects to improve quality, reduce costs and increase productivity resulting in significant process improvement and client satisfaction.
• Championing continuous process improvement by identifying opportunities, innovative solutions and effective change management.
• Achieving buy-in from all decision makers for the successful implementation of process improvements.
• Liaising with Finance and other areas of the firm to assess, track and report the financial benefit of process improvement projects.
• Preparing monthly dashboard reports – relevant metrics.
• Promoting Human Resource policies and programs which support Firm-wide objectives.
• Ensuring availability of staffing and resources.
• Ensuring consistent delivery of legal support services across the organization.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Educating and informing managers and supervisors on Human Resource policies and procedures. Maintaining and promoting positive employee relations in the work environment.
• Counseling management and employees on disciplinary actions and performance problems.
• Developing capabilities of Legal Support Services Management Team members.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Overseeing the appropriate level of information and communication dissemination.
• Ensuring efficient and effective procedures are in place to maintain privacy standards surrounding the confidential nature of employee and Firm information.
• Ensuring that all policies and procedures are legally compliant and coordinating with legal counsel on legal issues, lawsuits and compliance issues.

LEADERSHIP

• Anticipating future human resource development needs and providing innovative solutions.
• Leading or participating in special project initiatives, ensuring processes/projects/assignments are effectively and equitably implemented.
• Maintaining knowledge on strategic staffing trends including the use of benchmarking studies and sources to ensure optimal attraction and retention of human capital.
• Ensuring governance and compliance across the Firm.
• Accountable for delivery and coordination of legal support functions including DSG and non-core activities across all regions; enforcing mandates.
• Managing and motivating direct reports which includes direct responsibility for the implementation of HR policies such as compensation and rewards, performance management, staff development ( including career paths), training, disciplinary procedures and termination.
• Providing coaching to legal support team in areas such as service quality and standards.
• Educating the Firm on legal support mandates.
• Regular review and prioritization of improvement projects based on national interests and assignment of leadership to team members
• Driving efficiency projects related to legal support together with PGL’s and RMP’s and achieve commitment and buy-in from the business.

As our ideal candidate, you will distinguish yourself by the following profile:

• Bachelor degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or related field of study.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience as a human resources professional or operations leader at a senior manager level.
• Experience in process improvement, leading projects with a record of successful implementation.
• Experience in human resources and general management gained in a variety of industries; experience in law office practices and/or professional services preferred.
• Broad strategic thinker, with highly developed problem solving skills, including analytical and critical thinking.
• Excellent presentation skills with solid communication capabilities, both oral and written.
• Capacity to handle high pressure situations and tight deadlines.
• Coaching and Advisory Skills.
• Business Acumen and Understanding.
• Strong interpersonal capabilities and ability to work cross-functionally with other leaders.
• Bilingualism (French and English) an asset.

As a member of the McCarthy team, you will have access to:

• Outstanding benefits from day one, including insurance premiums paid by the Firm and wellness and technology reimbursements.
• Competitive compensation and generous time off, including a day off to volunteer and a day off for your birthday.
• A commitment to professional development and growth opportunities for our people at all levels, supported by a culture that fully embraces and encourages two-way feedback.
• Strong community involvement and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• A collaborative, cohesive culture that connects lawyers and business teams through collective purpose.

We thank all applicants for their interest in McCarthy Tétrault; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. We regret that we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about application status. McCarthy Tétrault is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.