Chief Operating Officer

Duvera's client, a well-establish law firm in downtown Houston is searching for a Chief Operating Officer to serve as the firm’s senior operational leader. The COO oversees full-firm operations across the firm’s 7 offices in Texas and across the US and holds direct accountability for general operations, human resources, information technology, marketing, facilities, and compliance.Working in close partnership with the CEO and CFO, firm leadership and attorney committees, the COO sets operational strategy, ensures accountability across all administrative and legal support functions, and aligns the firm’s infrastructure with its strategic growth objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and GovernancePartner with firm leadership, the Executive Committee, and attorney committees to set operational strategy and translate strategic objectives into measurable operational goals.Oversight and participation in the firm Executive Committee, Technology/Innovation Committee, Mentoring Committee, Productivity Committees, and office-level and firm-level action groups that support governance, strategic planning, operational policy, and attorney productivity.Align administrative infrastructure with the firm’s growth initiatives, including lateral hiring and integration and new office expansion.Direct and meet regularly with cross-functional management teams in Information Systems and Technology, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Development, Accounting and Finance, Recruiting and Onboarding, Facilities Management, and Litigation Support.Serve as a primary point of contact for firm Principals and Associates for general assistance and guidance.Compensation, Benefits, and Human ResourcesCoordinate and participate in all Principal, Associate, and staff compensation processes, including market research, attorney rankings, bonus calculations, and compensation communications.Oversee the firm’s performance management system and attorney ranking framework.Serve as primary fiduciary decision-maker for the firm’s 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, including contribution decisions, plan loan approvals, broker relationships, and regular plan governance meetings.Manage the firm’s medical, dental, and overall benefits program, including cost analysis, annual renewals, provider selection, and broker relationships.Oversee recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and workforce planning for attorneys and staff.Technology, Innovation, and SecurityPartner with IT Director to lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of firm-wide technology, including accounting, e-billing, HR, practice management, and artificial intelligence platforms.Drive cybersecurity strategy and solutions in coordination with Information Systems leadership.Promote adoption of legal technology and AI tools to improve attorney productivity and client service.Facilities and Vendor ManagementManage office leases, buildouts, renovations, and relocations from lease negotiation through planning, construction, phasing, and move-in.Oversee vendor selection, contracting, and vendor performance management across firm functions.Risk Management and ComplianceWork closely with the firm’s General Counsel on risk, policy, litigation, and compliance matters.Serve as primary contact for the firm’s professional liability insurance applications and renewals.Maintain firm policies and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and ethical requirements.QualificationsBachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or related) preferred.[10+] years of progressive operations leadership experience in a law firm or professional services environment, including senior-level oversight of multi-office operations.Working knowledge of retirement plan governance, employee benefits, and HR compliance.Track record leading technology implementations, including time and billing, HRIS, document management, and AI-enabled platforms.Experience managing office buildouts, lease negotiations, and facilities projects.Strong understanding of the Houston legal market and business community preferred.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of legal practice management systems.Key CompetenciesStrategic, data-driven decision-makingTrusted advisor to Principals and firm leadershipBuilding and leading high-performance operational teamsDiscretion with confidential financial and personnel mattersCommitment to firm culture, values, and client service