Careers

At Summers Compton Wells, we provide high-quality, efficient service to meet our
clients’ legal needs. We are committed to fostering professional growth in a
supportive, collaborative environment. We always welcome the opportunity to meet
talented and experienced attorneys who can expand and enhance the services and
environment Summers Compton Wells provides. Not only do we offer competitive
compensations and benefits, but also we offer the opportunity to work in an
environment where attorneys can thrive

SCW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We are also always interested in hearing from motivated individuals to join our team of professional staff, ranging from paralegals to legal assistants. Summers Compton Wells recognizes the importance of maintaining a work/life balance and offers a business casual work environment with a competitive compensation and benefit package.

Additionally, we encourage interested law students to apply to our Law Clerk Program run throughout the year. Summers Compton Wells offers the opportunity to immediately provide meaningful work on challenging and interesting projects.

If you are interested in coming to work for Summers Compton Wells, please send your resume and cover letter to the appropriate party below. We look forward to meeting you.

Current Job Openings:

Director of Administration

Position Overview

Summers Compton Wells provides full-service legal counsel to small and midsize businesses, their owners, and families throughout the St. Louis region.  Our established mid-size law firm (approximately 25 attorneys) seeks a Director of Administration to oversee the firm’s financial, operational, human resources, technology, and facilities functions. Reporting directly to the firm’s Management Committee, this senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the firm while supporting its long-term strategic goals.

This position is part of a planned leadership transition. Our current Director of Administration, who has served the firm with distinction for many years, will retire in 2027. The successful candidate will benefit from a structured transition period and direct collaboration to ensure continuity of operations and transfer of institutional knowledge.

This is an opportunity to step into a stable, well-managed firm and build upon a strong administrative foundation while helping guide the firm into its next phase of growth.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

  • Develop and manage the firm’s annual operating budget, including forecasting and variance analysis.
  • Oversee firm’s accounting and tax compliance functions, including trust accounts (IOLTA) in accordance with legal industry requirements.
  • Prepare, interpret, and present financial and statistical reports to firm leadership.
  • Monitor and analyze cash flow to anticipate trends and support business planning.
  • Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and billing functions to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
  • Direct accounting and billing staff.
  • Develop financial management strategies that minimize risk and promote positive financial performance.
  • Research vendors and review proposals; make recommendations regarding equipment, technology systems, leases, personnel benefits, and other firm expenditures.
  • Administer the firm’s 401(k) plan in coordination with third-party administrators, trustees, and investment advisors.
  • Prepare special financial and operational reports as requested by firm leadership.

Operations & Firm Administration

  • Manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the firm.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain financial and operational policies and procedures.
  • Work directly with the Management Committee and other firm committees (risk management, records management, and general office policies).
  • Lead and manage multiple operational and administrative projects simultaneously.

Human Resources Management

  • Oversee all non-attorney personnel matters, including hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, compensation, discipline, and termination.
  • Develop and maintain employment policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Research, design, implement, and administer employee benefit programs.
  • Provide analytical and technical support in the delivery and oversight of benefit plans.

Business Development Support

  • Assist with recruitment and due diligence of lateral attorney candidates.
  • Support the onboarding and transition of lateral attorneys and integration of their client relationships into the firm.

Information Technology Administration

  • Assess the firm’s technology infrastructure and identify hardware and software needs.
  • Oversee implementation and upgrades of network hardware, software, and legal-specific systems.
  • Coordinate technology training for attorneys and staff, including document management and other firm software platforms.

Facilities & Records Management

  • Oversee space planning, office construction, renovations, and remodeling projects.
  • Work with architects, designers, contractors, and vendors.
  • Assist with lease negotiations and renewals in coordination with the firm’s lease committee.
  • Develop and administer records retention and destruction policies and procedures.

Succession & Transition

The firm is committed to a thoughtful and collaborative transition process. The incoming Director of Administration will:

  • Participate in a planned overlap period with the retiring Director of Administration.
  • Receive comprehensive handoff documentation and introductions to key vendors and external advisors (accountants, IT providers, benefits advisors, financial institutions).
  • Gain in-depth understanding of the firm’s financial systems, operational processes, and governance structure.
  • Partner with the Management Committee to evaluate existing systems and identify opportunities for continued improvement and modernization.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in law firm administration or professional services management.
  • Demonstrated experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and reporting.
  • Experience overseeing human resources functions, including hiring, performance management, benefits administration, and employment compliance.
  • Working knowledge of law firm operations, including billing, trust accounting, and records management.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a professional environment.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in a mid-size law firm (15–50 attorneys).
  • MBA or advanced degree in business, finance, or related field.
  • Experience administering retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)) and working with third-party administrators and investment advisors.
  • Familiarity with law firm accounting and practice management systems.
  • Experience overseeing technology implementations or major system upgrades.
  • Knowledge of facilities management and lease negotiations.

Personal Attributes

  • High level of discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Collaborative, service-oriented leadership style.
  • Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on in day-to-day operations.

Associate Litigation Attorney

Summers Compton Wells LLC (SCW) is a law firm where quality of legal practice meets quality of life.  If you are considering a career change and want the opportunity to make your own mark as a litigator, we are seeking an Associate Litigation Attorney with a minimum of 5 – 7 years of litigation experience. The ideal applicant will have exceptional analytical and writing skills, the ability to take and defend depositions and someone who will be a strong and effective advocate in federal and state courts.  Applicants licensed in Missouri and Illinois are preferred, but not required. 

We want to expand our litigation team with a lawyer who values a strong work ethic, a commitment to detail and a dedication to provide outstanding client service, just like us.   Join a law firm where work/life balance will be a welcome part of your future.

SCW offers you an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary. If this opportunity is of interest to you, please send resume and writing sample to dsobkoviak@summerscomptonwells.com. Attn: Donna Sobkoviak.

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • 401(k) profit sharing
  • Dental insurance
  • Long-term Disability insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Caregiver Leave Policy

SCW is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

For Attorney, Paralegal & Staff Positions please contact:
Donna L. Sobkoviak | dsobkoviak@summerscomptonwells.com

For Law Clerk Positions please contact:
Brian J. LaFlamme | blaflamme@summerscomptonwells.com