Senior Manager, Pro Bono Operations

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Washington, DC

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for a Senior Manager, Pro Bono Operations to be the operational backbone of our pro bono program—partnering closely with our pro bono team to streamline workflows, track and report on program performance, and manage key projects (including those involving our commercial clients). In this role, you'll blend operational analysis, cross-functional coordination, and talent management to free up pro bono counsel to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional legal service to those who need it most. If you thrive on building efficient systems, driving best practices, and ensuring seamless collaboration across teams, this is your opportunity to help grow a pro bono practice that makes a real difference.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required (J.D. or M.B.A. preferred)
• 5+ years' experience as a practicing lawyer, paralegal, or equivalent business professional
• Law firm and pro bono program experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record designing, managing, and leading complex projects and initiatives across multiple offices or teams
• Skilled at analyzing operational data and translating findings into actionable insights, with experience leveraging technology—including AI—to drive efficiency
• Strong organizational and operational management skills, with the ability to create effective solutions even where no precedent exists
• Excellent communicator with strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills, plus the emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and discretion needed for sensitive matters
• Collaborative team player who builds consensus, motivates others, and thrives in a closely integrated, cross-functional environment
• Highly accountable, proactive, and flexible self-starter who can manage competing priorities and see projects through from inception to completion with minimal supervision
• Strong client-relationship skills
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• A track record of producing accurate, detailed work product

Responsibilities

• Oversee pro bono practice operations end-to-end—matter opening/closing, supervision, progress monitoring, and coverage continuity when attorneys depart.
• Manage pro bono data and metrics reporting (with accounting and other stakeholders) by title, office, and practice group, and prepare related reports and presentations for firm leadership.
• Track attorney pro bono interests, recurring opportunities, and key nonprofit/legal services relationships to keep the team resourced and informed.
• Support budget development and expenditure monitoring for the pro bono program.
• Source, staff, and manage legal clinics, trainings, and limited-scope projects, including coordination with clients' in-house legal teams.
• Drive the Pro Bono Pentathlon reporting process and supply data for awards, rankings, pitches, and RFP responses in partnership with Marketing and Business Development.
• Serve as cross-functional liaison, connecting the pro bono program with administrative and operational functions across the firm.
• Streamline and automate administrative workflows (with IT and admin staff) and ensure quality control and timely completion of multi-office projects.
• Uphold risk management protocols—engagement/disengagement letters, matter closure, inactive matter reviews—and build a comprehensive pro bono operations manual.
• Supervise and develop pro bono administrative staff through coaching, goal-setting, and performance management, while maintaining confidentiality and data security compliance.

Benefits

• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior