Job Details

At the Law Offices of Anna R. Yum, we fight to protect our clients' rights, future, and freedom when accused of a crime. We are a fast-paced, team-oriented, and well-respected AV-Rated boutique criminal defense firm in downtown San Diego seeking an experienced Firm Administrator to oversee staff management, human resources, and internal firm structure.

The firm's Operations Manager/Legal Administrator oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and serves as the operational backbone when attorneys and firm leadership are occupied with court and client work. The ideal candidate exemplifies professionalism under pressure, sound independent judgment, and the ability to manage both people and process simultaneously. This role is also responsible for supervising employees, managing recruiting and employee relations, implementing policies and procedures, and ensuring the firm operates with professionalism and accountability.

**This is a leadership role. It is not a clerical office manager position.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter in PDF format to assistant (AT) annayumlaw (DOT) com. The subject line of the email should be your last name (all caps), followed by the position you are applying for in lower case, followed by 2026. (For example: SMITH administrator 2026).

The cover letter should include: (1) what are the 3 most important qualities needed in someone who works with criminal defense, and why you believe they essential; (2) why are you interested in this role specifically, and what attracted you to our firm; and (3) what are your short-term and long-term personal and professional goals.

Responsibilities

Office Management & Leadership

• Serve as the in-office leadership presence for staff and firm attorneys when Principal Attorney is in court or out of the office
• Supervise and support employees (attorneys, intake/sales staff, legal support)
• Address performance concerns and manage corrective action when necessary
• Handle employee conflicts professionally and decisively

HR & Staff Management

• Onboard new hires and manage offboarding procedures
• Lead full-cycle recruiting, including resume screening and first-round interviews
• Maintain employee records and PTO tracking
• Serve as the first point of contact for staff questions on policies, benefits, and workplace issues
• Support performance review processes
• Ensure compliance with California employment documentation standards

Client Communication

• Respond to general office inquiries and requests of support from the legal team
• Serve as a key point of contact for client concerns, assisting to de-escalate sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy

Systems & Process Development

• Develop and implement written policies and procedures
• Build and maintain SOPs using web-based tools such as SweetProcess and Google Drive
• Improve accountability systems and workflow clarity
• Identify recurring operational issues and implement structured solutions

Marketing support

• Assist with firm marketing campaigns
• Manage marketing events

Qualifications

• 5+ years of law firm or office administration, or people management experience
• SHRM-CP or equivalent HR experience preferred (certification not required)
• Demonstrated experience managing 10+ employees
• Direct experience handling employee discipline and terminations
• Experience screening resumes and participating in hiring decisions
• Experience implementing internal systems or written procedures
• Professional services background strongly preferred

Candidates without direct employee relations and management experience will not be considered.

Compensation

$105,000 to $125,000 DOE

Performance bonus potential

PTO, 401k, Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)