Office Administrator - Dallas

Dykema Gossett PLLC, a leading national law firm, is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced leader to join our dynamic team. The Office Administrator has responsibility for the overall administrative operations of the firm’s Dallas office. This interesting and varied role directly supervises, recruits and develops legal support personnel, works closely with the Office Managing Member, Chief Human Resources Officer, Director of Human Resources and other firm leaders, and supports firmwide employee engagement and other initiatives.

Office Administrator Duties:

• Responsible for recruitment and supervision of administrative personnel including administrative assistants, word processors, receptionist, copy center and other legal support staff, optimizing productivity and ensuring that firm expectations are being met.
• Determines staffing needs, with special attention to meeting and maintaining benchmarked staffing ratios and trends.
• Oversees all aspects of performance management for assigned personnel. Performs investigations in conjunction with Human Resources and implements corrective action, when appropriate. Conducts performance reviews and gives input on base compensation and bonuses. Communicates and implements firm policies and procedures. Monitors employee overtime. Initiates recruitment of new personnel, including advertising, interviewing, testing and selection.
• Provides guidance to staff including mentoring, advising, coaching, counseling, and mediating; fosters a service-oriented culture.
• Works to achieve a balance between supporting the lawyers’ specific needs and providing consistent staffing and administrative practices.
• Conducts the onboarding and off-boarding processes for lateral partners, attorneys and administrative personnel.
• Serves as participant or project manager on firm-wide employee relations or process improvement initiatives.
• Oversees workflow processes to optimize productivity, find solutions and implement process improvements based on best practices.
• Manages office administrative functions such as reception, copy/mail center, and the conference center. Coordinates with management in other administrative departments to co-supervise personnel and outsourced resources to develop efficient processes.
• Coordinates solutions with building management about office and security concerns. Assists with office relocation and renovations, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer and Office Managing Member.
• Coordinates the Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity plan along with the designated team. Ensures that all related documentation is up to date and that the team is trained on emergency procedures.
• Facilitates building access needs such as building security cards, parking etc.
• In conjunction with the records team, coordinates proper file maintenance and regular file purging.
• Plans budgets and social activities for personnel (luncheons, receptions and recognition programs). Conducts regularly scheduled staff meetings. Oversees Office Activities and/or Awareness Committee.
• Assists visiting personnel with reservations, administrative support assistance, messenger service, etc.
• Supports firm-wide employee engagement and retention initiatives; assist with responses to HR and client surveys.
• Participates in the firmwide personnel groups including Wellness Advisory Group and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs); may serve as a co-chair; provide leadership and support for employee trainings, initiatives, and office events.
• Plans office events and activities. Represents Dykema to the local community through civic activities and participation in professional organizations. Coordinates office charity and volunteer programs.
• May be assigned office management responsibilities for additional firm offices.
• Works on other projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree, with at least five years of office management experience required.
• Experience directly supervising office personnel; broad knowledge of legal services industry; prior law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Proven experience with the ability to retain, develop and motivate exceptional talent in a diverse environment.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
• Executive presence, tenacity, integrity, and professionalism that will engender confidence with attorneys, administrative leadership, and office personnel.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to create a positive team culture, and work effectively in a diverse consensus-driven organization and to create consensus-based support.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with the ability to collaborate equally well with senior administrative leaders, members, associates, and staff across the firm.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects independently with specific deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.
• Experienced with change management. Ability to use initiative and judgment to accomplish results.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and problem-solving skills.
• Capability to advise and persuade others and develop strong relationships and engagement; ability to maintain confidentiality and put effort in earning trust.
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor; ability to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally at all times.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires full-time work, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• Normal office environment.
• Travel to other Dykema offices may sometimes be required.

Why You Should Apply

Dykema offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and success of our employees both personally and professionally. This includes competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, along with flexible paid time off (PTO), holiday leave, and a retirement savings plan with profit sharing for eligible employees. Other benefits include flexible spending programs, health savings account, commuter benefits, and personal and parental leave programs. We prioritize work-life balance and offer wellness programs, and access to mental health support. Additionally, employees enjoy access to professional development programs, a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, and various employee discounts and perks. We are committed to providing a benefits package that helps our team thrive and feel valued.

EEO STATEMENT

It is the Firm’s policy to provide employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis without regard to the individual’s age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, domestic partner relationship, physical characteristics, disability, or other protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances. 

Dykema will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the known disabilities of employees who are otherwise qualified to perform the essential functions of the jobs involved. 

It is the responsibility of every individual concerned with personnel actions, including management, supervision, recruiting, compensation, benefits, promotions, work assignments, and training, to ensure that these activities are administered consistent with the Firm’s goal of furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity.