Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Executive Leadership Opportunity

About Our Client:
Our client, a prestigious and well-established law firm headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and lead the firm’s management and administrative operations. With a rich history of delivering exceptional legal services and a growing presence supported by additional office locations, our client offers a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking executive to play a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future.

This executive-level position is ideal for a seasoned professional with a minimum of five years’ experience in law firm administration, exceptional business acumen, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams. The successful candidate will embrace a “firm first” philosophy and demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth.

Position Overview:
The COO will have substantial authority and autonomy to achieve organizational objectives, focusing on enhancing operational efficiencies and profitability. Reporting directly to the executive committee and shareholders, the COO will be a key strategic advisor and operational leader. The current COO, a respected advisor with nearly a decade of tenure, will retire in mid-2025, creating this rare opportunity for an accomplished executive to step into this critical role.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Leadership

• Oversee financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, billing, collections, and cash flow management.

• Manage banking relationships, tax planning and reporting, trust accounting, payroll, insurance programs, and retirement plans.

2. Human Resources Management

• Lead recruitment, training, management, and evaluation of all non-legal administrative and support personnel.

• Administer compensation structures, benefits programs, personnel data systems, and resource allocation.

3. Technology and Information Systems

• Direct the design, implementation, and maintenance of the firm’s IT systems, including office automation, telecommunications, legal practice systems, and litigation support.

• Conduct systems analysis, operational audits, and cost/benefit evaluations to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

4. Facilities Management

• Oversee all aspects of facilities management, including space planning, lease negotiations, inventory control, and disaster recovery strategies.

• Manage equipment acquisition, vendor relationships, and facility services across multiple office locations.

5. Strategic Operations and Leadership

• Drive strategic and tactical planning processes, risk management initiatives, and organizational development efforts.

• Serve as the corporate secretary, participating in all shareholder and executive committee meetings.

• Lead quality control, firm planning, and general management functions to support long-term growth and sustainability.

6. Practice Management

• Collaborate with firm leadership on lawyer recruitment, training, and development.

• Oversee legal work product quality control, ensuring adherence to professional standards and best practices.

7. Marketing and Business Development

• Support business development initiatives through client profitability analysis, marketing strategies, public relations, and brand enhancement.

• Strengthen client relationships and elevate the firm’s visibility within target markets.

Candidate Profile:

• Minimum of five years’ experience in executive-level law firm administration.

• Strong financial management and human resources expertise; MBA and/or CPA preferred.

• Outstanding leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Proven problem-solving abilities and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.

• Committed to fostering a “firm first” culture and thriving in a fast-paced, professional environment.

Why Join Our Client?

This is a unique opportunity to join a distinguished law firm at a pivotal moment in its growth journey. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to make a lasting impact, driving operational excellence and strategic initiatives that shape the firm’s future. Our client offers a professional, collegial environment where top executive talent can thrive and achieve meaningful results.