Chief Operating Officer (Legal) - Los Angeles
Direct Counsel is representing a successful Personal Injury Law firm who is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO). The COO will be responsible for leading the firm’s operational strategy, ensuring effective management of case workflows, personnel, and administrative systems. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, the COO will optimize performance across all departments including intake, pre-litigation, litigation, HR, finance, marketing, and IT- to support the firm's goals of client satisfaction, efficient case resolution, and financial growth.
This role is ideal for a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, law firm experience, and a passion for operational excellence in a high-volume, fast-paced legal environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversee and improve daily operations across all departments, including intake, case management, legal support, and administration.
- Collaborate with managing attorneys and department heads to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and support case outcomes.
- Develop and implement strategic plans that align with firm growth goals, client service standards, and profitability targets.
- Track and analyze operational performance metrics (e.g., case lifecycle timelines, conversion rates, settlement value averages).
- Create and enforce firmwide policies and procedures to ensure compliance, consistency, and optimal results.
- Manage budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting in partnership with accounting and leadership.
- Lead HR functions such as recruitment, training, staff retention, and performance management.
- Oversee technology systems and case management platforms (e.g., Filevine, Clio, or Litify), ensuring full utilization and functionality.
- Ensure regulatory and ethical compliance with legal industry standards and rules of professional conduct.
- Supervise marketing efforts to ensure alignment with branding, client acquisition goals, and return on investment.
- Cultivate a performance-driven, client-first culture throughout the organization.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field (MBA or JD preferred).
- 5+ years of law firm management or operations leadership experience, preferably within a Personal Injury or Plaintiff-side firm.
- Strong understanding of litigation and pre-litigation case life cycles.
- Demonstrated experience improving operational efficiency, scaling departments, or managing high caseload environments.
- Familiarity with legal case management software, performance dashboards, and CRM systems.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting, cost control, and vendor management.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience in high-volume PI practices handling auto accidents, premises liability, catastrophic injury, or mass torts.
- Prior success managing intake departments or optimizing lead conversion.
- Familiarity with contingency fee business models and settlement forecasting.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Performance-based bonuses
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- PTO and paid holidays
- 401(k) with employer contribution
- Opportunities for growth and leadership development
