A well-established suburban Philadelphia, PA law firm seeks an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Professional Legal Administrator to join its leadership team. Working closely with the Managing Partner, this executive-level role blends operational leadership with strategic insight to ensure efficient business operations while supporting the firm’s long-term growth, financial strength and organizational effectiveness.

Together with an administrative staff, including a bookkeeper, operations manager and various support staff, the COO will oversee all non-legal business functions including human resources, finance, administration, marketing and technology. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, hands-on, results-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative professional services environment and is committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Partner with the Managing Partner and firm leadership to develop, implement and maintain strategic initiatives, policies and operational priorities.
• Drive annual business planning, budgeting processes and ongoing financial and operational performance reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability and service delivery through process optimization and technology adoption.
• Lead firm-wide initiatives and special projects, ensuring timely execution and alignment with strategic goals.

Human Resources & Talent Management

• Manage all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, compensation and employee relations.
• Develop and maintain personnel policies consistent with employment laws, regulatory requirements and firm culture.
• Foster a positive workplace environment that supports retention, engagement, and professional growth.
• Collaborate with firm leadership on attorney recruiting including both on-campus and lateral hires, integration and retention initiatives.
• Monitor administrative assistant/attorney workloads to make appropriate distribution that is best suited to the employee’s knowledge, skills and ability within attorney expectations.

Business Operations & Systems Administration

• Direct the implementation, optimization and documentation of business systems supporting finance, HR, risk management, marketing and administrative functions.
• Ensure strong internal controls, data security practices and compliance with applicable professional and regulatory standards.
• Evaluate workflows and operational processes to enhance efficiency and client service.
• Manage annual insurance renewals.

Financial Management

• Oversee financial operations including budgeting, billing, trust accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable and financial reporting.
• Monitor financial performance, provide analysis and forecasting, and recommend corrective actions when needed.

Marketing & Business Development Support

• Oversee marketing strategy execution, vendor relationships and business development initiatives.
• Support branding and digital presence initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Executive Leadership: Ability to lead teams, communicate effectively with attorneys and staff, exercise good judgment, and build consensus across a professional partnership environment.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of professional-services financial management, budgeting, cash flow and profitability analysis.
• Human Resources Expertise: Deep knowledge of HR best practices, employment law compliance, benefits administration and talent development.
• Operational Excellence & Technology: Experience implementing systems and process improvements that enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
• Legal Industry Insight: Understanding of law firm economics, ethics considerations, billing practices and operational structure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Significant senior-level operational leadership experience in a professional services environment; prior law firm or other professional services management experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success managing business operations including finance, HR, compliance, vendor negotiations and organizational development.
• Familiarity with law firm technology platforms and operational systems.
• Proficient in Excel.
• Proven leadership, communication and organizational management skills.
• Professional certifications such as CLM, SHRM, or HRCI are a plus.

BENEFITS

Full-time employees are eligible for a generous and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, with Health Savings Account as applicable.
• Firm-paid life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) (Traditional and Roth), with 3% guaranteed/vested contribution.
• Free parking and on-site gym.
• PTO. 

Interested candidates may respond in strict confidence to: legal.manager.search@gmail.com.