Chief Operating Officer 

Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead all of the Firm’s administrative operations. The Firm has approximately 80 attorneys and 45 support personnel across offices in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. The COO position will be resident in Chicago and report to the Firm’s Managing Partner.
 
The primary purpose of the role of the Chief Operating Officer is to support the Managing Partner in achieving the Firm’s strategic goals by developing, implementing, and advising on administrative, fiscal, infrastructure, and operational initiatives and best practices that align with the Firm’s strategic plans.
 
The role requires strategic leadership and vision to improve the financial and operational performance of the Firm and within consistent practices established for the Firm. The role will work closely with the regional offices and administrative departments to ensure that the operational side of the business runs smoothly, efficiently and cost effectively.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 
The ideal candidate will:

• have at least 10 years of proven law firm or professional services management experience in either a COO or Executive Director role or as the director of administration or second in command within a larger law firm or professional services environment;

 

• have an in-depth understanding of the economics and profitability of a law or professional services firm and have been exposed to professional services firms’ business models, environments, and partnership dynamics;

 

• be able to gain the confidence and trust of the Executive Committee as a thought leader of the Firm;

 

• be an initiative-taker and highly motivated and successful at operating at a senior leadership level;

 

• be able to make sound and well-thought-out business recommendations to help the Firm achieve “best practices” aligned with its financial and operational goals;

 

• have the ability to build rapport, promote effective collaboration across all levels of personnel, inspire and motivate a team to perform well, delegate as appropriate, and progress matters forward on a consistent basis;

 

• display professionalism and optimism and contribute to building a professional and positive team spirit;

 

• have strong financial and analytical skills;

 

• possess a solid understanding of human resource principles, practices, and regulations;

 

• understand technology systems and infrastructure needed to support attorney, client, and business operation needs;

 

• be able to juggle multiple priorities and demands, often within tight time constraints and with limited resources;

 

• exercise the utmost discretion and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all Firm and sensitive matters;

 

• possess strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills;

 

• have strong project management skills;

 

• demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills; and

 

• bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree is preferred.

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Please send a resume and cover letter to HR@nicolaidesllp.com

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Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V. We support and encourage workforce diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability in any of our recruitment, hiring, or placement processes.

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