Office Administrator

Benesch Law•Columbus, OH

29d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Benesch, the firm prides itself on exceeding expectations and building trust with both clients and employees, who are considered Benesch's #1 asset. The firm is committed to providing high-level legal service and fostering a positive work environment, consistently earning recognition on Top Workplaces lists and advancing on the AmLaw 150 list. Benesch offers a hybrid schedule, career development, transparent leadership, and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm is one of the fastest-growing in the nation with offices in Chicago, Columbus, San Francisco, New York City, and Wilmington. This Office Administrator position is for the Columbus office and offers work-from-home flexibility. The role is ideal for someone who thrives on supporting stakeholders and staff, has experience managing a law firm, and excels at troubleshooting, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. This position oversees the administration of one of Benesch's satellite offices, supporting over 75 personnel. The Office Administrator is responsible for the management and operating results of all assigned support functions within the office, including overall office support and staff requirements to optimize performance, client services, and the internal operating environment. The role involves close collaboration with Cleveland office management to ensure consistency in applying Firm guidelines, policies, and regulations, and assists with support staff and legal hire on-boarding under the direction of the Cleveland office Human Resource and Professional Development Departments.

Requirements

Minimum of five years of experience working as an office administrator.
Strong understanding of human resource functions, recruiting, staff development and financial operations.
Experience creating and managing a budget process.
Excellent management skills.
Highly effective communicator.
Proficient in Word, Outlook and related law firm software.
Excellent customer service attitude.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
Experience preferably in a law firm environment.

Responsibilities

Staffs the Columbus location and assigns duties to optimize the efficient and effective support of all timekeeper/client needs.
Maintains and promotes efficient, productive and harmonious work environments through a consistent, hands-on approach to working with all personnel.
Provides for the training needs of all personnel and cross trains support staff as needed.
Coordinates the scheduling of all support staff in assigned location in accordance with Firm needs.
Oversees the efficient and effective operations of legal assistants and reception as applicable.
Maintains a strong understanding of Firm software systems.
Prepares and provides input for the annual office operations budget for assigned office location and submits for approval by the Director of Practice Support.
Plans and implements office events including holiday parties, luncheons, summer events etc.
Analyzes and reviews financial operations of the assigned office location, assuring that costs are managed within budget plan.
Works directly with the Firm's Director of Practice Support while proactively exercising authority in staff personnel matters, employment, training, evaluating, disciplining, and discharging of staff.
Monitors and manages performance standards of the staff, provides timely performance feedback consistent with the Firm's performance management process.
Appropriately escalates performance concerns.
Provides coaching and support to address skill or performance gaps.
Recommends to the Director of Practice Support compensation and staff bonuses based on merit within budget guidelines.
Maintains all personnel availability and advising others of absences - planned or unplanned.
Maintains ADP for non-exempt employees and processes PTO request approvals.
Proactively provides for office location facility needs while working through appropriate parties as required.
Works with the Legal Recruiting Department as needed.
Assists in the coordination of the support staff hiring process from beginning to end including initial position assessment, recruiting, selection and interviewing, hiring and orientation as required.
Works with Firm personnel and Firm management in planning, implementing and assessing local needs and projects, such as coordinating client development efforts, coordinating the orientation program for new legal recruits, participating on long range planning committees and efforts.
In the absence of the Receptionist, answers the main office line, greets and assists guests.
If EPIQ is on location, ensures reception is covered by EPIQ or other office staff.
Assists other offices in regard to general operations and specific timekeeper workload needs, including backup/overflow legal assistant assistance, including on-site when required.
Oversees the maintenance of office and kitchen supply inventories in a proactive and organized manner as well as purchases of food, beverages and snacks for the office and ensure that related inventory and costs are managed appropriately.
Coordinates the maintenance and housekeeping of facility areas, including but not limited to the kitchen, meeting rooms and common areas.
Acts as a liaison between legal personnel, staff and clients.
Performs other functions and duties as assigned.