Assistant Managing Attorney

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer • New York, NY

20d • $180,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Working alongside the Managing Attorney, the Assistant Managing Attorney (AMA) provides critical legal compliance, risk management, court and agency operations, and strategic procedural guidance across all U.S. departments, including Litigation, Employment, Land Use/Environmental, IP, Bankruptcy, Business Immigration, Corporate, and Real Estate. The AMA works closely with the Managing Attorney to oversee legal compliance, risk management, court and agency operations, and procedural oversight across the firm. They coordinate and manage legal support initiatives, operational workflows, and related projects within the Managing Attorney’s Office. Additionally, the AMA provides operational coverage for the Managing Attorney to maintain continuity across core legal and administrative functions during periods of absence or unavailability.

Requirements

• A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school is required.
• Current bar admission in the State of New York.
• At least 2–5 years of relevant experience in a law firm or legal environment, preferably supporting managing attorney or managing clerk functions.
• Familiarity with federal, state and local court systems (including e-filing) and procedural rules.
• In-depth understanding of the docketing and calendaring process.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CourtAlert, as well as Pacer, NYSCEF and other similar court efiling/document retrieval systems.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal working hours when needed.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to work concurrently on a variety of projects with changing priorities.
• Exercise good judgment and follow through on assigned tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including communications that are clear and concise, use proper grammar and appropriate vocabulary.
• Ability to maintain stable performance under pressure with continually changing priorities; ability to integrate special assignments or projects into workflow.
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent judgment demonstrated by the ability to make appropriate decisions in high pressure situations.
• Client and business focus: Responds positively to internal and external client demands.
• Problem solving: analyzes information to fully understand the key issues and solutions.
• Adaptability and flexibility: proactively communicates a positive message to others during times of change.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates transitioning from practicing law into a managing attorney or legal operations role are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal compliance, risk management, court and agency operations, and procedural oversight across the firm.
• Coordinate and manage legal support initiatives, operational workflows, and related projects within the Managing Attorney’s Office.
• Provide operational coverage for the Managing Attorney to maintain continuity across core legal and administrative functions during periods of absence or unavailability.
• Provide guidance and legal analysis to attorneys and paralegals on complex procedural and strategic issues in state and federal courts.
• Interpret and apply statutes, court rules, and procedural requirements governing litigation practice.
• Advise on filing strategies, motion practice, and compliance with court and agency requirements.
• Research and resolve complex procedural issues across multiple jurisdictions.
• Review filings for accuracy, form, and procedural compliance.
• Ensure adherence to court rules and deadlines, mitigating procedural and regulatory risk.
• Apply court rules efficiently and consistently across jurisdictions.
• Oversee electronic filings, service of process, and the delivery of filings to courts and government agencies.
• Oversee filing functions and ensure high-quality execution of court and agency submissions.
• Coordinate and manage relationships with external vendors, including process servers, court runners, messenger services, and electronic filing providers, ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-effective support of case and court filing needs.
• Supervise and mentor support staff within the Managing Attorney’s Office.
• Support the Managing Attorney in onboarding new attorneys by providing training and guidance on firm procedures, court rules, docketing protocols, and jurisdictional requirements to ensure compliance and consistency across matters.
• Support departmental restructuring initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
• Streamline workflows and redistribute responsibilities to optimize performance across the team.
• Identify and implement process improvements across docketing, filing, and compliance functions.
• Manage and oversee pro hac vice admissions, including preparation, submission, and tracking of applications, and coordination with outside counsel and courts, in alignment with firm and jurisdictional requirements.
• Mitigate risks related to unauthorized practice of law or regulatory non-compliance.
• Provide guidance and support to attorneys, particularly those based outside the U.S., regarding U.S. admission requirements.

Benefits

• The firm is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree