Chief Operating Officer

ROLE OVERVIEW The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the firm’s financial performance, operational infrastructure, people systems, marketing execution, and technology platforms. The role partners closely with the Managing Partner and Executive Committee to translate firm strategy into operational reality, with particular emphasis on profitability, scalability, and risk management. Finance / Accounting The COO serves as the firm’s senior operational and financial steward, responsible for aligning people, processes, and financial performance to drive sustainable profitability. Core Responsibilities
Develop, prepare and present firm‑wide financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting, including annual and multi‑year models
Oversee monthly and annual financial close processes in coordination with internal accounting staff and external CPAs, including net income finalization, prior‑year adjustments, and partner compensation analysis and calculation
Design, model, and administer partner and attorney compensation programs, including multi‑year incentive structures tied to profitability and collections
Monitor accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash flow, bank activity, trust accounts, and act as escalation point for banking and vendor issues
Oversee expense management, credit card programs, banking relationships, and vendor billing disputes
Prepare and present financial analyses and reporting for Executive Committee, Compensation Committee, and partners, translating financial data into actionable KPI insights Key Competencies
Advanced financial modeling and profitability analysis
Law‑firm accounting concepts (trust accounting, fee structures, production vs. collections)
Strong vendor and external advisor management Information Technology The COO is responsible for the firm’s technology strategy, vendor selection, and systems integration. Core Responsibilities
Evaluate, help select, and oversee core firm systems including document management, practice management, and financial systems
Partner with IT vendors and consultants on system migrations, integrations, and long‑term technology roadmaps
Chair or actively participate in internal technology governance and working groups, aligning systems with operational needs
Ensure technology decisions are financially sound, scalable, and aligned with attorney and staff workflows/needs
Act as executive translator between technical providers and firm leadership Key Competencies
Strong vendor‑management and decision‑making skills
Ability to balance cost, risk, usability, and scalability
Comfort leading complex, cross‑department technology initiatives Human Resources The COO acts as the operational backbone of the firm’s people strategy, balancing compliance, compensation, culture, and performance. Core Responsibilities
Partner with firm leadership on attorney and staff compensation structures, including bonus programs and equity‑related financial inputs
Coordinate with Office Manager on attorney and staff issues when escalated
Oversee benefits administration and renewals (health, disability, 401(k)), including direct coordination with brokers and advisors)
Support performance management through production, hours, and KPI reporting across practice groups
Develop and document internal operational policies
Participate in firm culture initiatives, prepare and review internal firm-wide communications, and DEI‑related operational support
Serve as a trusted advisor to partners and department heads on sensitive people and compensation issues Key Competencies
Deep understanding of law‑firm compensation mechanics
Ability to balance financial discipline with morale and retention
High trust, discretion, and credibility with partners Marketing The COO provides operational leadership and financial discipline to the firm’s marketing and business development efforts. Core Responsibilities
Oversee marketing operations and planning in partnership with CMO and internal marketing staff, ensuring alignment with firm strategy and budget
Review and approve marketing initiatives, client communications, newsletters, and thought‑leadership campaigns from an operational and strategic perspective
Support firm‑wide events, town halls, and internal communications by coordinating logistics, budgets, and execution
Track return on investment for marketing spend and business development efforts Key Competencies
Strong cross‑functional collaboration
Ability to connect marketing activity to firm‑wide performance metrics
Practical, execution‑oriented mindset Ideal Background & Profile
Senior operations or finance leadership experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment
Demonstrated success managing firm‑wide financials, compensation models, and operational systems
High emotional intelligence and credibility with partners
Detail‑oriented, but capable of operating at a strategic level
Chicago-based with ability to be in-office four days per week Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field preferred
CPA, MBA, or similar professional credentials a plus but not required
Professional Experience
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, finance, or firm management
Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience working directly with senior leadership, partners, or executive committees
Financial & Operational Expertise
Deep understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis
Experience designing, modeling, and administering compensation and incentive structures
Familiarity with law‑firm financial concepts including collections, production, trust accounting, retainers, and partner compensation mechanics
Proven ability to manage vendors, external advisors, and complex contractual relationships
People & Leadership Skills
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without direct authority
High degree of discretion, judgment, and emotional intelligence
Ability to balance financial discipline with people‑centric decision‑making
Trusted advisor mindset with credibility across partners, attorneys, and staff
Technology & Systems Acumen
Experience overseeing enterprise systems such as practice management, document management, financial, and reporting platforms
Demonstrated ability to evaluate, select, and implement technology solutions in partnership with external vendors
Comfort translating technical concepts into business and operational terms for non‑technical stakeholders
Personal Attributes
Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and execution‑focused
Strategic thinker with the ability to operate hands‑on when necessary
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Calm, solutions‑oriented approach in high‑stakes or time‑sensitive situations