Director of Risk and Operations
Miller Johnson, Lansing, MI, United States
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Director of Risk and Operations
role at Miller Johnson.
Miller Johnson is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Risk and Operations to lead and continuously improve the firm’s risk-related and operational support functions. Reporting to the COO, this role provides leadership and subject‑matter expertise in areas including conflicts, intake, engagement documentation, records governance, docketing oversight, insurance administration, and operational support services. The Director will work closely with the firm’s General Counsel, CFO, and fellow directors to strengthen operational performance, mitigate risk, and enhance firmwide consistency and reliability.
Key Responsibilities Conflicts, Intake, and Matter Governance
Own and administer the firm’s conflicts process, ensuring accuracy and timely clearance
Oversee matter intake procedures and engagement workflows
Maintain and enforce standards for engagement letters, closing letters, and related correspondence
Partner with General Counsel on policy interpretation, escalations, and risk determinations related to conflicts and matter governance
Records Management and Docketing
Lead records governance and retention standards to meet ethical and regulatory expectations
Oversee docketing guidance to ensure consistent application across offices and practice groups
Standardize documentation protocols and ensure appropriate access, storage, and confidentiality
Manage refinement of data privacy and record‑handling practices
Insurance and Risk Administration
Manage the firm’s insurance portfolio and coordinate renewals and coverage analysis
Monitor risk indicators and elevate issues in coordination with the COO and GC
Contribute expertise on professional liability, cyber, employment practices, and related coverages
Support compliance initiatives and ensure risk‑related processes are consistently upheld
Lead, develop, and coach support service teams across our offices (mail/scan/copy, reception, hospitality)
Support staffing, scheduling, training, and succession planning for support service roles
Provide oversight and coordination for facility‑related activities such as office maintenance, space organization, vendor coordination, and office moves
Support execution of office buildouts and facilities projects under direction of the COO
Process Improvement and Implementation
Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend targeted solutions
Implement approved improvements to workflows, policies, and daily practices
Document SOPs and operational standards to strengthen consistency and reduce knowledge silos
Introduce tools or automation where appropriate to improve speed, accuracy, or visibility
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
7+ years of experience in legal operations, risk management, compliance, or related leadership roles
Proven experience leading teams and developing staff
Strong understanding of conflicts, matter governance, professional responsibility rules, and operational risk
Demonstrated ability to drive improvement and advance process maturity within scope
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence in a professional services environment
High degree of integrity, discretion, and judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with systems such as Intapp, LMS, NetDocs, CompuLaw, or other legal operational technologies
Familiarity with data privacy frameworks and records retention standards
Demonstrated success in operationalizing policies across multiple offices or departments
Relevant certifications such as CRM, IGP, CIPP/US, PMP, or similar
At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:
Who We Are
Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
Grit – We push through and get it done
Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
Committed to Impact – We lift others up
How We Work
Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust
We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and annual performance reviews. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Legal and Marketing
Industries
Law Practice
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Risk and Operations
role at Miller Johnson.
Miller Johnson is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Risk and Operations to lead and continuously improve the firm’s risk-related and operational support functions. Reporting to the COO, this role provides leadership and subject‑matter expertise in areas including conflicts, intake, engagement documentation, records governance, docketing oversight, insurance administration, and operational support services. The Director will work closely with the firm’s General Counsel, CFO, and fellow directors to strengthen operational performance, mitigate risk, and enhance firmwide consistency and reliability.
Key Responsibilities Conflicts, Intake, and Matter Governance
Own and administer the firm’s conflicts process, ensuring accuracy and timely clearance
Oversee matter intake procedures and engagement workflows
Maintain and enforce standards for engagement letters, closing letters, and related correspondence
Partner with General Counsel on policy interpretation, escalations, and risk determinations related to conflicts and matter governance
Records Management and Docketing
Lead records governance and retention standards to meet ethical and regulatory expectations
Oversee docketing guidance to ensure consistent application across offices and practice groups
Standardize documentation protocols and ensure appropriate access, storage, and confidentiality
Manage refinement of data privacy and record‑handling practices
Insurance and Risk Administration
Manage the firm’s insurance portfolio and coordinate renewals and coverage analysis
Monitor risk indicators and elevate issues in coordination with the COO and GC
Contribute expertise on professional liability, cyber, employment practices, and related coverages
Support compliance initiatives and ensure risk‑related processes are consistently upheld
Lead, develop, and coach support service teams across our offices (mail/scan/copy, reception, hospitality)
Support staffing, scheduling, training, and succession planning for support service roles
Provide oversight and coordination for facility‑related activities such as office maintenance, space organization, vendor coordination, and office moves
Support execution of office buildouts and facilities projects under direction of the COO
Process Improvement and Implementation
Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend targeted solutions
Implement approved improvements to workflows, policies, and daily practices
Document SOPs and operational standards to strengthen consistency and reduce knowledge silos
Introduce tools or automation where appropriate to improve speed, accuracy, or visibility
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
7+ years of experience in legal operations, risk management, compliance, or related leadership roles
Proven experience leading teams and developing staff
Strong understanding of conflicts, matter governance, professional responsibility rules, and operational risk
Demonstrated ability to drive improvement and advance process maturity within scope
Strong communication and relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence in a professional services environment
High degree of integrity, discretion, and judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with systems such as Intapp, LMS, NetDocs, CompuLaw, or other legal operational technologies
Familiarity with data privacy frameworks and records retention standards
Demonstrated success in operationalizing policies across multiple offices or departments
Relevant certifications such as CRM, IGP, CIPP/US, PMP, or similar
At Miller Johnson, our culture is anchored in our Core Values and how we work together:
Who We Are
Integrity and Candor – We speak the truth
Down to Earth – We stay humble and real
Grit – We push through and get it done
Committed to Excellence – We raise the bar
Committed to Impact – We lift others up
How We Work
Entrepreneurial Mindset – We think like owners
Down to Business – We move fast and stay practical
Rooted and Invested – We build lasting trust
We are committed to fostering an exceptional work experience that includes a healthy work‑life balance and an inclusive culture that values uniquely talented team members. We offer competitive wages, flexible scheduling, paid time off, and annual performance reviews. Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, and a 401(k)-retirement plan.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Legal and Marketing
Industries
Law Practice
#J-18808-Ljbffr