Legal Practice Administration Manager

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

A unique opportunity has arisen for a Legal Practice Administration Manager (LPAM) to join the Brisbane Office Operations team on a permanent, full-time basis.

In this role you will manage the Legal Support and Facilities function for the Brisbane office, working closely with Partners, firm leadership and national Office Operations colleagues.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership of the Legal Support and Facilities functions in Brisbane;
• Line management of Legal Assistants, Administration Assistants, Facilities Coordinators and Practice Management team members (approx. 30 direct reports);
• Lead by example and cultivate a high-performance culture within the team;
• Monitoring and improving the quality and consistency of service provided to the firm;
• Managing the allocation of work and utilisation of administrative support to best meet the needs of the firm; and
• Actively managing performance and working closely with HR colleagues to lead cyclical processes e.g. remuneration and talent review; and
• Partner with the recruitment team to drive recruitment efforts for your team, supporting internal promotion and career development where possible.

The Brisbane office will also be moving premises in 2026, and as the LPAM, you will play a key role in the logistics and communication of the move.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Prior experience leading large teams, ideally in an office/practice manager position or as legal support supervisor;
• The ability to build strong working relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels;
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and a commitment to supporting operational excellence and the ongoing improvement of the function;

• Well-developed EQ, with experience managing a diverse group of employees;

• Strong time management and prioritisation skills;

• A highly professional approach, with written and verbal communication skills to suit a high performance legal environment;
• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent in a relevant field e.g. front line leadership, human resources, business or law.

What you can expect from us:

• We're a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.
• We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.
• We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.
• We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you'll have it and we'll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.
• Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia's market leading law firm.

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

Team

Office Operations

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

Brisbane

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.