Legal Operations Manager

Note:
Employees for the State of Montana must reside within Montana. All applications and required application documents must be submitted through the MT Careers site at:

As part of the Legal Services team, the Legal Operations Manager plays a vital role in ensuring that the Department’s legal functions operate efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the State’s mission to serve Montana’s workers, employers, and communities. This position enhances the day to day operations that support attorneys, staff, and clients while promoting fairness, compliance, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity.

DLI CORE VALUES:

• Responsiveness
• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Cohesiveness

It s about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments. Learn more about DLI here.

Position Overview:

The Legal Operations Manager leads and optimizes the business systems and processes that underpin the Legal Bureau’s work. This position serves as the unit’s operational expert, coordinating technology solutions, data governance, training, and workflow improvements to support legal and administrative teams. The manager partners closely with attorneys, IT specialists, and administrative leadership to ensure legal services are delivered efficiently, resources are used responsibly, and staff have the tools and training needed for success.

Essential Functions:

The Legal Operations Manager will:

• Lead operational effectiveness: Oversees administrative and business operations within the Legal CSD to ensure high quality, timely, and consistent service delivery.
• Coordinate systems and data integrity: Manages case management systems and data governance processes to ensure compliance with state and federal records standards.
• Develop and deliver training: Designs, implements, and tracks training programs for attorneys, paralegals, and support staff to promote professional growth and system proficiency.
• Guide strategic planning: Translates bureau goals into operational strategies that improve workflows, integrate technology, and enhance client service.
• Manage resources and procurement: Oversees vendor relationships, budgeting, and procurement for technology tools, office systems, and contracted services.
• Collaborate across teams: Serves as a liaison between legal, information technology, and administrative functions to identify needs, define requirements, and deliver solutions.
• Monitor performance and continuous improvement: Uses data analysis and reporting to measure efficiency, support planning, and guide process improvements.
• Foster innovation and change management: Leads change initiatives that strengthen staff capabilities and modernize legal operations.

Location and Work Arrangement:

This position is based in Helena, Montana, within the Department of Labor & Industry’s Legal Services unit. The primary work location is the central office in Helena; any options for remote or hybrid work will be determined in accordance with Department policies and operational needs. Travel may be required on an as needed basis for hearings, meetings, or other official business.

Required Skills and

Competencies:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge and proficiency in the following areas:

• Operational leadership and coordination: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to organize complex legal and administrative workflows, manage competing priorities, and lead teams toward measurable outcomes.
• Strategic planning and implementation: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to align operations with organizational goals, lead long term initiatives, and manage projects from inception to post implementation review.
• Stakeholder engagement and influence: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to build partnerships with attorneys, technical experts, and vendors to achieve shared objectives.
• Data governance and analysis: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain data accuracy, ensure compliance with retention policies, and use metrics to drive decisions.
• Technology and…