Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer This is an executive-level position, responsible for all phases of Firm Administration: Finance, Business Systems, Human Resources, Legal Production, and Facilities. This position is responsible for overseeing and improving both our people and our systems. Our Chief Operating Officer will be on site and responsible for planning and managing the day-to-day operations of the Firm, and for implementing Firm policies and procedures under the general guidance and supervision of the managing director. What you can do is important. Who you are is equally important. The right person for this role must: • Not only adapt to change but drive it • Provide solutions, not just uncover problems • Have a high energy level • Have thick skin and high empathy • Have a sense of humor in equal measure to your sense of compassion • Have keen conflict resolution skills (not conflict avoidance skills) • Be metrics-driven and KPI-obsessed We need someone with the experience and maturity to keep the Firm's needs at the forefront and work closely with the Owner and key staff on strategy, policy, problem-solving, and decision-making. The ideal candidate understands that you cannot manage what you do not measure - and can help us figure out how to build systems to ensure we can measure and manage effectively. We need a COO who is a superstar savant of project management and systems development, who will be invested in making important contributions to the operating and financial success of the Firm. Our ideal candidate is not just comfortable with growth and change but thrives in an environment where people are constantly looking to improve the business and themselves. We have a growth-focused environment. Working with us can prove to be the best job you've ever had or the most frustrating ... depending on your flexibility, team spirit, commitment to clients, and your realistic expectations about what it's like to work in a fast-paced, growing business with a passionate and enterprising owner. Prior legal experience is not required. If you don't know California Probate Law, you need to commit to getting up to speed quickly because you will be expected to make sure cases and clients are getting the attention they need and that the staff is following the rules and our systems. Salary is dependent upon experience and includes an incentive program commensurate with performance. We will define specific KPIs for expected law firm growth, profitability, and culture. We have put a lot of energy into building our "A team". Our COO is a key member of the firm; it is crucial that we get this right! Our process might take a little longer than you're used to...but it's worth it. If you take the time to read this ad and follow the instructions to apply, we will be excited for the chance to learn more about you. Next Steps To apply, please follow the instructions carefully. Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a written interview - this helps us assess your communication and critical thinking skills. This will be a multi-step interview process so we can get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit; this is the first step. If you are not excited about a thorough interview process where we get a real opportunity to know each other better, please don't apply. Our offices are in San Clemente, CA, Laguna Hills, CA, and Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (you must be able to travel regularly between these three locations). Responsibilities Our Chief Operating Officer will create or improve all administrative functions in our firm. We are building a firm where systems run the business, and people run the systems. You must be able to show evidence of your prior success with: • Business process refinement and systems management to ensure profitable operation of the Firm • Systems management to ensure matters are handled appropriately so that client needs are met, legal and ethical requirements are met, and clients receive excellent service • Employee onboarding, performance management, supervision (and termination) • Understand and use common financial reports to make decisions (budget variance, P&L, cashflow forecast) • Management of bookkeepers, accountants, technology systems, and other vendors Qualifications • You must have experience successfully growing annual revenues 5x and beyond. This is not a position for an "Office Manager" or an "Administrative Assistant" • We need someone with significant hands-on experience in growing a business to $5 million+. You will lead key administrative functions and play a major role in shaping firm culture • You must live in or near South Orange County or be willing to relocate