Director of People and Operations at Pacifica Law Group, LLP

Description

We are a midsize law firm dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance workplace. We are seeking a strategic and people-focused leader to oversee our human resources, operations, and administrative functions to ensure the firm’s continued growth and success.

Pacifica is a values-driven, community oriented law firm that champions innovation, creativity, integrity and personal and professional growth as part of serving its public and private clients with high-level expertise and intellect. Pacifica offers legal counsel and services to clients regarding real estate and construction, public finance and municipal law, education law, appellate and civil litigation, and project counseling. Work at Pacifica includes:

• A collegial environment among colleagues who value respect, care and honesty.
• Assistance with and encouragement for professional growth and skills development.
• A culture that values work-life balance.
• Interesting and challenging work.
• Support and incentives for pro bono work and civic engagement.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our firm, in the legal profession and in our community at large.

Position Overview

The Director of People and Operations will serve as a key member of the firm’s management team, responsible for aligning our people strategy with business objectives while managing day-to-day operations. This role will balance high-level strategic planning with hands-on execution, ensuring that the firm operates efficiently and that attorneys and staff thrive in a supportive, well-structured environment.

Key Responsibilities

People & Culture

• Develop and implement HR strategies and policies that support recruitment, retention, performance management, professional development, and attorney and staff engagement.
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, and integration processes for attorneys and staff to ensure smooth transitions and strong cultural alignment.
• Oversee professional development initiatives for attorneys and staff.
• Manage compensation, benefits, and recognition programs in partnership with firm leadership.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on employee relations, conflict resolution, and organizational development.
• Lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in collaboration with the firm’s equity and inclusion committee.

Operations & Administration

• Direct day-to-day administrative functions, including facilities, technology, records management, insurance, and vendor relationships.
• Evaluate and streamline operational processes to improve efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner with the finance team on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Oversee risk management, insurance, compliance, and policy development in line with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with outside service providers to ensure quality and value.

Leadership & Strategy

• Collaborate with firm leadership to shape long-term strategy, growth initiatives, and change management efforts.
• Oversee firm marketing initiatives to strategically grow firm recognition and engagement with clients and potential clients.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development for managers and staff across the firm.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, postgraduate, or HR/management certification) strongly preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in HR, operations, or organization management, ideally within a professional services or law firm environment.
• Knowledge and experience with HR best practices and operational management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and build high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a respected midsize law firm.
• Collaborative and inclusive culture where your contributions make a tangible impact.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Professional growth and leadership opportunities.

Salary Range

$185,000 - $215,000 base compensation. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including qualifications and depth of experience.

Other Compensation

Other compensation may include bonuses, profit sharing, and HSA employer contributions.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability insurance, life and AD&D coverage (additional coverage option available), and optional flexible spending account

• 401K Plan with annual Profit Sharing
• Identity Protection Insurance 
• Free Orca (Transit) Card or Parking Stipend
• Free use of Building’s Fitness Center and Bicycle Storage
• Matching Employee Charitable Contributions
• PTO – untracked PTO for exempt employees
• Parental leave covered at 100% under a Voluntary Paid Family Medical Plan
• 10 paid holidays per year

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Managing Partner / Management Committee

Pacifica is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace that brings out the best of what each individual has to offer and in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of Pacifica. We value each individual for their skills, experience, and unique perspective. This commitment is embodied in the connections we have with each other, our clients and our community. Pacifica is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state antidiscrimination laws. We prohibit discrimination and harassment against employees or applicants for employment based on sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical condition), race, color, religion, age, marital status, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, national origin, caste, political ideology or military status or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.