Chief Operating Officer (Law Firm)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the Managing Partner’s direction, the Chief Operating Officer has responsibility for establishing an effective organizational structure for firm-wide practice support. Functional areas include statistical and financial accounting and reporting, human resources and talent management, information services and technology, marketing and business development, and practice support services. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for providing leadership to and direction of all service operations supporting client services; managing the general business operations of the firm; serving as a promoter for the firm’s continuous strategic planning efforts; representing the Management Committee in communicating and implementing firm policies in a manner that best serves the firm’s interests.

*Must have experience working in law firm setting

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for each of the Firm’s functional areas: Finance, HR/Talent, Marketing, IT, Facilities/Operations, and the smooth integration of each in support of revenue production and achievement of the strategic plan of the Firm.
• Refine, implement, and maintain firm-wide administrative processes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Lead administrative areas to drive best practices, results and achieve excellence.
• Responsible for coordinating with General Counsel’s office in assessing, identifying, monitoring and preventing business risks.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Finance & Accounting to improve financial controls and analyze key financial reports to identify opportunities for improvement to the Firm’s bottom-line.
• Responsible for the management and oversight of the administrative department leads, including (i) ensuring all administrative department leads are fully informed of administrative and business objectives, (ii) setting operational and performance goals for each department, (iii) monitor department performance against performance goals, and (iv) conduct regular meetings with department heads to ensure that priorities are clear.
• Strong working relationships with the Managing Partner, Chair of the Management Committee, and other firm leadership in furtherance of the administrative and business operations of the Firm in order to support revenue production and achieve the strategic plan of the Firm.
• Promote the CORE values of the Firm.
• Participates on key committees related to the administrative operation of the Firm in the furtherance of the noted responsibilities, including, but not limited to Finance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Practice Oversight.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• The Chief Operating Officer must have superior financial management skills.
• Can confidently manage support staff and delegate as necessary, maintaining good interpersonal relations and communications with lawyers and business professionals, and helping to safeguard and cultivate the Firm’s corporate culture.
• Must be capable of providing leadership (i) to identify critical issues affecting the organization, (ii) to develop plans to accomplish objectives, and (iii) to coordinate implementation.
• Ability to communicate complex information effectively, both orally and in writing, to all levels of the Firm.
• Must understand business implications of decisions; demonstrate knowledge of market and competition; align work with strategic goals.
• Must display willingness to make timely decisions, including appropriate people in decision-making process; exhibit sound and accurate judgment; support and explain reasoning for decisions.
• Familiarity with legal or other professional service organizations, and experience managing business operations.
• Must possess project management experience, with ability to manage multiple competing priorities at once.
• Must be capable of developing workable implementation plans; communicating changes effectively; building commitment and overcoming resistance; preparing and supporting those affected by change; monitoring transition and evaluating results.
• The Chief Operating Officer must be a team player capable of leading by example (visibility will be key) and of motivating others to achieve excellence in their performance.
• Must provide highest quality of professionalism; demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote excellence; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure excellence.
• Some travel required.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

• Must be a well-rounded business executive with substantial management experience in a law firm or other professional service industry, and knowledge normally acquired through completion of an MBA or other appropriate business degree, or equivalent experience.
• 5 years of experience in law firm leadership/management [preferably in New England, mid-size]