Managing Operations Associate Attorney

The Lisinski Law Firm•NC, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Managing Operations Associate Attorney is a leadership role at the intersection of legal practice, operations, and client advocacy. The attorney advises Staff Attorneys on case strategy, legal analysis, and complex immigration matters, and supports exceptional client outcomes across a high-volume practice. The role includes conducting escalated case reviews, advising clients on sophisticated immigration issues, identifying matters requiring attorney review, and helping maintain legal accuracy, compliance, and client-service standards. As a leader in the Legal Operations Department, the attorney promotes consistency and operational effectiveness by coordinating legal training, fostering collaboration between legal and operations teams, and supporting uniform application of firm policies, procedures, and legal standards. The role also includes developing team members and strengthening legal competencies. The attorney partners with the Business Development Department and serves as the Firm's designated attorney leader for assigned office operations. The position requires a regular in-office presence, local attorney oversight, attention to professional and ethical responsibilities, and collaboration with the Regional Manager in supporting the Intake Manager. The attorney also works with Legal Leadership and the Office of General Counsel on legal, ethical, compliance, and operational matters.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar and maintenance of all licenses, registrations, and authorizations required for assigned responsibilities.
For assignments as the Firm's designated North Carolina management attorney, active North Carolina Bar membership in good standing is required.
Prior immigration law experience, including advising clients on complex immigration matters, guiding attorneys and staff, managing client escalations, and ensuring consistent application of legal standards and best practices.
Three to five years of immigration and/or humanitarian law experience.
Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, or management experience, including setting expectations, coaching and developing team members, monitoring productivity and quality, and driving accountability and performance.
Experience coordinating legal and operational workflows in a high-volume environment.
Experience identifying professional responsibility concerns and appropriately escalating sensitive legal matters.
Ability to work regularly from the assigned office and provide ongoing attorney oversight and support.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, and Dropbox or similar document management platforms.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to build strong partnerships with attorneys and non-attorney professionals.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Ability to balance established procedures with independent professional judgment.
Demonstrated commitment to the Firm's mission of helping individuals and families obtain immigration benefits and remain united with their loved ones.

Nice To Haves

Experience using case management software systems.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance and direction to Staff Attorneys on case reviews, client consultations, immigration law analysis, client communication strategies, and case-related legal issues.
Keep legal guidance current and ensure changes to USCIS policies, immigration law, and Firm standards are reflected in workflows, training materials, and knowledge resources.
Serve as the Firm's designated management attorney for the assigned office, where applicable, and provide attorney oversight consistent with professional responsibilities and Firm policies.
Maintain a regular presence in the assigned office and address legal questions and concerns arising from office operations.
Advise clients on complex immigration matters and manage case escalations, including office-related concerns, according to Firm procedures.
Coordinate with responsible attorneys to resolve complex legal issues and escalate sensitive or unresolved matters to appropriate legal leadership.
Escalate Firm risk, compliance, policy, professional responsibility, unauthorized practice of law, and material legal concerns to Legal Leadership and the Office of General Counsel as appropriate.
Partner with Legal Leadership and the Office of General Counsel to implement corrective actions and resolve identified concerns.
Partner with the Regional Manager to supervise the Intake Manager responsible for day-to-day office management.
Set performance expectations, coach and provide feedback, monitor follow-through, and support professional development.
Collaborate with the Regional Manager and legal leadership to prioritize work, improve workflows, and strengthen operational effectiveness.
Guide non-attorney staff on role responsibilities, permissible client communications, and matters requiring attorney review or escalation.
Coordinate legal training and refresher sessions, reinforce existing guidance, and support consistent implementation of new legal and operational standards.
Support the Business Development Department with legal guidance on prospective client matters, complex intake questions, and appropriate client communications.
Ensure attorney-review procedures are followed consistently throughout the intake process.
Serve as the Legal Subject Matter Expert for operational projects, including process mapping, policy alignment, implementation, and change management.
Support process documentation, workflow optimization, and continuous improvement projects.
Ensure scripts, FAQs, and client communication resources remain accurate, compliant, and up to date.
Identify and escalate refund, contract, and sensitive client concerns to appropriate stakeholders.
Support applicable state bar registration requirements and office compliance processes in coordination with the Office of General Counsel.
Meet established performance goals and contribute to firmwide operational priorities.
Conduct legal research on immigration law topics as needed.

Benefits

401(k) with company match.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account.
Employer-paid basic life insurance.
Voluntary life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary accident insurance.
Voluntary hospital indemnity insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and wellness support.