Senior Administrative Officer
Listed on 2026-01-23
-
Management
Administrative Management, Office Manager
Base pay range
$/yr - $/yr
Location: Chicago, IL (Downtown) |
Work setting: Fully Onsite
Our client, a globally recognized Law firm is seeking a Senior Office Administrator to provide end-to-end operational leadership for its downtown Chicago office
, one of the firm’s largest U.S. locations. This is a highly visible leadership role, significantly more senior than a traditional Office Manager position, with responsibility for overseeing large professional support teams and complex, multi-floor operations. This role serves as the operational backbone of the office and partners closely with senior firm leadership to ensure a best-in-class experience for attorneys, partners, and staff.
The Office Administrator will lead day-to-day operations for a 750-person office spanning seven floors, overseeing the Office Manager and 25+ legal support professionals. The position collaborates closely with the local Office Managing Partner and supports approximately 135 partners and senior attorneys. This is an urgent and business-critical hire due to the size, complexity, and strategic importance of the office.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and manage 25+ direct and indirect reports, including legal support professionals and the Office Manager
- Assign workloads, monitor utilization, and ensure consistent service delivery
- Partner with HR on performance management, employee relations, compensation, and bonus recommendations
- Own the office operating budget, including forecasting, variance analysis, and cost controls
- Oversee facilities and building operations across seven floors
- Manage third-party vendors and outsourced services (copy/print, mailroom, reception, conference services, etc.)
- Lead space planning, office moves, renovations, and vendor contract negotiations
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and firmwide policies
- Lead emergency response planning and business continuity efforts
- Oversee administrative onboarding and office orientations
- Support office-wide initiatives, community engagement, and pro bono activities
- Collaborate on firmwide operational and strategic initiatives
- 7+ years of senior office administration experience within a large law firm
- Career background in legal administration with deep understanding of law firm culture and pace
- Proven experience leading sizable professional legal support teams
- Highly polished, professional, and composed leadership presence
- Strong experience in budgeting, facilities management, and vendor oversight
- Must be based in Chicago and able to work fully onsite
- Must currently or previously have worked at a law firm
- Candidates currently employed by certain large peer firms may not be eligible due to client relationships
- Senior, high-visibility leadership role in a flagship office
- Direct impact on attorney, partner, and staff experience
- Strong executive sponsorship and partner engagement
- Competitive compensation, discretionary bonus, and comprehensive benefits
- Director
- Full-time
- Administrative
- Legal Services
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
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