Office Administrative Director

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Office Administrative Director to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Los Angeles Office (Hybrid). You will be responsible for managing the strategic and day-to-day operations of the office, implementing Firm-wide strategies and processes and ensuring the needs of the local attorneys, business services professionals and Firm clients are met. You will liaise with the Firm's regional and global support departments on operational matters and Firm-wide initiatives and implements strategic plans.

Office Leader Support

• Works closely with the office leader, attorneys and business services professionals across the office to implement and identify opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

• Works with the office Partners and office managers, as applicable, to strategize and implement plans to address changing needs of the attorneys, clients, and office.

• Collaborates with the finance, technology, and talent management teams to identify and implement finance and technology solutions, as well as identify opportunities to  develop talent to support the Firm's strategic initiatives.

• Monitors, analyzes, and reports on the progress and impact of strategic initiatives to the Office Leader, senior leadership, and relevant stakeholders.

Office Administration

• Works with the office Partners and Business Professional managers to address changing needs of the attorneys, clients and office.

• Oversees the overall administration of non-legal functions in the office, ensuring that support functions are operating efficiently.

• Manages budget and expenses throughout the offices support departments. Provides direction for timekeeping, billing, accounts receivable and accounts payable. Recommends corrective action as required.

• Assists in the preparation of the annual budget for the office in conjunction with the Financial Planning and Analysis Department.

• Supports Firm's practice and business priorities by aiding in the development of guidelines and processes to promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.

• Coordinates vendor relationships both locally and in collaboration with established enterprise vendor relationships.

• Manages the office's infrastructure and collaborates with appropriate departments to ensure the acquisition and maintenance of office equipment, and vendor relationships.

• Works with the Office Leader and Chief Real Estate Officer on space utilization, lease administration and other real estate related projects.

• Provides oversight and support to practice support functions, including Legal Assistant Services, Records Management, Managing Law Clerks, Research & Knowledge Services, Secretarial and Operations Group Services.

• Coordinates various office functions including holiday, sporting, staff appreciation, well-being and community outreach events.

• Administers the office's Emergency Response Program and ensures, in consultation with the Chief Security and Support Services Officer, that effective emergency response readiness is in place and that staff is apprised of emergency response paradigms.

Liaison with Firm Chief Officers

• Promotes Firm established standards and priorities at all levels within the office in consultation with Firm Chief Officers.

• Ensures that goals and priorities set by Firm Chief Officers are appropriately administered locally.

People Team Functions

• Provides support and guidance to the local people team business services professionals in conjunction with the New York office People Team Directors, including employment policies, recruiting, performance management, Skadden experience, engagement, payroll and compensation, terminations, personnel record keeping, continued learning & professional development to ensure knowledge of current and effective industry trends.

• Partners with the local people team business services professionals and NYO People Team functions on personnel related initiatives, best practices and processes, when needed.

• Works with the local people team professionals to ensure compliance with office and Firm policies and procedures, and local labor laws and regulatory requirements.

• Provides assistance to expatriates, including immigration and relocation matters.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of legal industry best practices, trends, and law firm management.

• Proven ability to collaborate with Partners and the Office Leader to develop strategy, achieve business goals, and foster a positive and inclusive office culture.

• Proven ability to lead in a matrix environment, manage change, and implement projects and processes.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and planning skills with the ability to prioritize, delegate, and troubleshoot effectively.

• Professional demeanor with high emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and influence, fostering trust and respect across all levels.

• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive matters with impartiality and confidentiality.

• Resilient under pressure, capable of navigating business challenges and making difficult decisions.

• Proficient in relevant software (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and adaptable to new technologies.

• Flexible and reliable, with the ability to travel and adjust hours to meet business needs.

• Committed to upholding firm policies, fostering cooperative relationships, and maintaining credibility.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required

• Minimum of eight (8) years relevant office administration or human resources management experience, preferably in a legal environment

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.

• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.

• Generous paid time off.

• Paid leave options, including parental.

• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.

• Robust well-being classes and programs.

• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law. This position may be eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus.

Salary Details

$215,000 - $250,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

In accordance with the Transparency in Coverage Rule,

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Transparency in Coverage

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Applicants Have Rights Under California Law

Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.