Lead Legal Operations Manager

Plaid·Remote(San Francisco HQ)

Operations

Salesforce

WFA Digital Insight

As the demand for skilled legal operations professionals continues to rise, with a 25% increase in job openings over the past year, Plaid is seeking a seasoned Lead Legal Operations Manager to propel their legal and compliance team forward. With the global legal operations market expected to reach $45 billion by 2027, professionals with expertise in legal technology, budget management, and outside counsel spend are in high demand. Plaid, a fintech leader, stands out for its commitment to empowering financial transformation and its extensive network of 12,000 financial institutions. Before applying, candidates should be aware that this role requires a unique blend of technical, financial, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Job Description

About the Role

The Lead Legal Operations Manager will play a critical role in scaling and running the systems, processes, tools, and budget that power Plaid's legal and compliance team. This role is essential to the company's continued growth and success, as it will enable the legal team to operate more efficiently and effectively. The Lead Legal Operations Manager will report to the Head of Commercial Legal and will have the opportunity to develop and lead a Commercial Legal focused Legal Operations team member. Plaid is dedicated to building the tools and experiences that thousands of developers use to create their own products, and the legal and compliance team is at the forefront of this effort. The company's network spans 12,000 financial institutions across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe, and its products are used by millions of people to live a healthier financial life. The Lead Legal Operations Manager will be responsible for setting the technology strategy and roadmap for the legal and compliance team, as well as managing the team's budget and outside counsel spend. This will require a deep understanding of legal technology, financial management, and leadership principles.

What You Will Do

Develop and implement a comprehensive technology strategy for the legal and compliance team, including the use of AI and other emerging technologies
Manage the legal and compliance team's budget, including legal billing operations and outside counsel spend
Build and enforce outside counsel billing guidelines and partner with Finance on forecasting and accruals
Develop and implement data-driven metrics and reporting to measure the performance of the legal and compliance team
Lead cross-functional initiatives to drive process improvements and increase efficiency
Collaborate with the Head of Commercial Legal to drive the team's overall strategy and direction
Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors, law firms, and other external partners
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments in legal technology and operations
Identify and mitigate risks associated with legal and compliance operations
Develop and implement training programs to ensure that the legal and compliance team has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed

What We Are Looking For

5+ years of experience in legal operations, preferably in a fintech or technology company
Proven track record of managing legal budgets and outside counsel spend
Experience with legal technology, including AI and other emerging technologies
Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and lead a team
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to drive process improvements and increase efficiency
Experience with data-driven metrics and reporting, with the ability to develop and implement metrics to measure performance
Strong understanding of financial management principles and practices
Experience with contract management and vendor management

Nice to Have

Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems
Certification in legal operations or a related field
Experience with project management tools and methodologies
Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in legal operations, such as blockchain or machine learning

Benefits and Perks

Competitive salary and equity package
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) matching program
Flexible paid time off and remote work options
Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
Access to a network of talented and experienced professionals in the fintech industry
Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the company

How to Stand Out

To stand out as a candidate, be sure to highlight your experience with legal technology and budget management, as well as your ability to drive process improvements and increase efficiency.
Be prepared to talk about your experience with data-driven metrics and reporting, and how you have used data to drive decision-making in your previous roles.
Make sure to research the company and the role thoroughly, and be prepared to ask informed questions during the interview process.
Consider creating a portfolio or examples of your work in legal operations, such as process improvements or technology implementations, to share with the interviewer.
Don't be afraid to negotiate salary and benefits - Plaid is known for offering competitive packages to its employees.
Be aware of the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Finally, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or email after the interview, to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role.

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