Legal Operations Manager Paralegal

We are looking for an accomplished, detail-oriented legal operations leader to lead and improve patent prosecution support within a dynamic legal environment in Washington, District of Columbia. This Long-term Contract position is suited for someone who can work directly within the function, evaluate current procedures, and implement stronger operational standards that support consistency and accountability. The role calls for a hands-on leader who can guide staff, enhance quality oversight, and build a durable framework for long-term success. Apply today! By sending an updated resume to Fana Belcher at [fana.belcher][at]roberthalf[dot][com].

Responsibilities:

• Review existing patent prosecution and legal support workflows, identify operational gaps, and introduce practical improvements that increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Oversee docket and calendar-related activities to help ensure critical deadlines, filings, and legal milestones are tracked and managed reliably.
• Establish and reinforce quality control measures across legal support processes to reduce risk and improve overall execution.
• Provide direct leadership, coaching, and day-to-day guidance to support staff to strengthen performance and accountability.
• Develop training materials and operating procedures that create consistency across patent prosecution and related legal operations tasks.
• Assess the structure of the legal support function and recommend sustainable process enhancements that support long-term stability.
• Partner with legal and administrative stakeholders to align operational priorities with business and case management needs.
• Contribute hands-on support where needed, stepping into core operational activities rather than serving only in an advisory capacity.
• Significant experience leading or heavily managing patent prosecution support, docketing, or IP legal operations functions.
• Strong working knowledge of deadline-driven legal support processes, including docket and calendar management.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate workflows, implement controls, and improve service quality within legal operations.
• Prior experience supervising, mentoring, or developing legal support or IP administration teams.
• Familiarity with corporate legal management systems and process documentation best practices.
• Ability to work independently in an interim environment while delivering practical, sustainable operational improvements.
• Background in legal environments that may include estate planning, probate law, or other structured matter-management practices is a plus.