Job Description

WE ARE A SMALL LAW FIRM LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER TO TAKE US TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND BEYOND.

We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer for a Law Firm. This is an executive level position … a full-blown, bona fide Executive responsible for a wide range of activities in all phases of administration, personnel, finances, facilities, and business systems.

We need someone with significant hands-on experience. You will handle key administrative responsibilities and play a major role in shaping firm culture.

You must have experience managing a team of more than 15 people and a budget of more than $10,000,000. This is not a position for an “Office Manager” or an “Administrative Assistant.”

We have put a lot of energy into building our “A team” and we need to take it to the next level. As you know, the Chief Operating Officer is a key hire; it is crucial that we get this right! Our process might take a little longer than you’re used to…but it’s worth it. If you take the time to read this ad and follow the instructions to apply, we will be excited for the chance to learn more about you.

About the position

This position is responsible for overseeing and improving both our people and our systems.

Our COO will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across the organization. Your primary goal will be to increase our organization's productivity, efficiency, and profitability. You will advise the CEO on key operational insights as well as provide coaching to employees. 

Our COO will be responsible for planning and oversight and compliance and total management of the Firm operations on a high level, and for implementing Firm policies and procedures under the general guidance of the owner.

Our COO will create or improve all administrative functions in our firm. We are building a firm where systems run the business, and people run the systems.

You must be able to show evidence of your prior success with:

• Business process refinement and systems management to ensure profitable operation of the Firm
• Systems management to ensure matters are handed appropriately so that client needs are met, legal & ethical requirements are met, and clients receive excellent service
• Employee leadership, performance management, supervision and termination
• Understand and use financial reports to make decisions (budget variance, P&L, cashflow forecast)
• Management of bookkeeper, accountant, technology systems and other vendors
• Working with our Director of Operations who will assist you in caring out and overseeing key functions

What you can do is important. Who you are is equally important. The right person for this role must:

· Not only adapt to change, but drive the change in a methodical way

· Provide solutions, not just uncover problems

· Have a consistent strong level of energy

· Have thick skin and high empathy

· Have a sense of humor in equal measure to your sense of compassion

· Have keen conflict resolution skills (not conflict avoidance skills)

· Be metrics-driven and KPI-obsessed

We need someone with the experience and maturity to keep the Firm’s needs in the forefront and work closely with the Owner and key staff on strategy, policy, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The ideal candidate understands that you cannot manage what you do not measure – and can help us figure out how to build systems to ensure we can measure and manage effectively.

We need a COO who is a rockstar savant of project management and systems development, who will be invested in making important contributions to the operating and financial success of the Firm.

We are also focused on improving the profitability of our company.

Our ideal candidate is not just comfortable with growth and change but thrives in an environment where people are constantly looking to improve the business and themself. Our business grew fast, and while we are not a “start-up,” we have a steady growth-focused environment.

Working with us can prove to be the best job you ever had … depending on your flexibility, team-spirit, commitment to our clients, and your realistic expectations about what it’s like to work in a growing business with a passionate and entrepreneurial owner. We have a team of people who support each other and everyone’s contribution is valued. We operate in a cooperative and collaborative manner.

The right person for this position is someone the Owner can develop trust in and who will trust in the Owner. The right person for this position will be able to “manage up” to help the Owner help you get your job done.

Our office is currently in Livonia Michigan but we are planning to move to Bingham Farms Michigan.

Prior legal experience is helpful. Knowledge of guardianship and conservatorship (probate) law will be helpful but is not required.

Salary is dependent upon experience and includes an incentive program commensurate with performance. We will define specific KPIs for expected law firm growth , profitability , and culture .

This will be a multi-step interview process so we can get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit; this is the first step.

Qualifications

• 10 - 15 years' of executive experience
• Strategic planning and business development experience
• Strong written and verbal and presentation skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills

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