Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director

About the Role

Rawle & Henderson LLP, the longest continuously operating law firm in the United States, is seeking a seasoned Chief Operating Officer / Executive Director to become the principal administrative executive at their Philadelphia office. This pivotal role involves working closely with the Firm’s Executive Committee to manage daily business operations, financial performance, and execution of strategic plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise core administrative departments including Accounting, Billing & Collections, IT, Records, and Facilities management.
• Collaborate with the Executive Committee to align and implement strategic and financial goals, ensuring accountability and completion.
• Manage the firm's financial activities such as budgeting, long-term financial planning, and reporting.
• Monitor and enhance metrics related to revenues like billable hours, utilization, realization, collection rates, and aging of accounts receivable.
• Work with Billing & Collections to optimize the revenue cycle encompassing time entry practices, prompt billing, collections, and outstanding receivables management.
• Develop strategies aimed at improving revenue, profitability, and operational efficiency.
• Create and track firm-wide and client-specific key performance indicators and financial/operational metrics.
• Prepare detailed financial and operational analyses and deliver reports with recommendations to the Executive Committee.
• Implement and oversee financial controls, policies, and procedures geared towards profitability and cost containment.
• Drive continuous process improvements to streamline workflows, increase administrative effectiveness, and reduce workload on legal staff.
• Guarantee that technology, records management, and operational systems support attorney efficiency, billing accuracy, and excellent client service.
• Manage important vendor contracts and relationships connected to administrative functions.
• Coordinate with Human Resources regarding recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluation, compensation, employee relations, staffing, and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with firm leadership to assess staffing needs ensuring resources align with client demand and financial targets.
• Work alongside the Marketing Manager and Committee to synchronize marketing and business development plans with revenue and growth goals.
• Assist practice groups and attorneys in formulating viable business development strategies and assessing their ROI.
• Lead strategic planning efforts, monitoring progress toward financial and operational goals.
• Facilitate cross-departmental initiatives and implement decisions from the Executive Committee and Partnership.
• Administer the firm’s insurance portfolio and contribute to risk management, cybersecurity, data governance, compliance, and business continuity programs.

Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive senior-level administrative or operations leadership experience within a law firm environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of law firm financial management including budgeting, billing, collections, economics, and profitability analytics.
• Proven ability to analyze financial and operational data and generate actionable insights.
• Demonstrated leadership with accountability for managing administrative departments and senior managers.
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Aptitude for collaboration among firm leadership, partners, attorneys, and staff.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and leading strategic projects to fruition.
• Hands-on leadership approach, willing to engage in operational and financial matters directly.
• Experience with law firm technology platforms, financial systems, and data-driven performance management is highly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees or relevant professional certifications are advantageous.

Additional Information and Benefits

This is a full-time leadership role based in Philadelphia, PA.

Rawle & Henderson LLP offers a competitive salary alongside benefits, including:

• 401(k) plan with company match beginning after one month
• Medical and dental insurance
• Disability and life insurance coverage
• Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Pre-tax commuting and parking benefits

The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) welcoming applications from all qualified candidates including minorities, females, disabled individuals, and veterans.