Chief Operating Officer

Radler White Parks & Alexander LLP is seeking a Chief Operating Officer who will foster and maintain the firm’s values while managing all aspects of the firm. In collaboration with the Management Committee, the COO will sustain and grow the firm’s financial strength, strong culture, and reputation for excellent client service.

Downtown Portland, remote potential 1-2 days per week

The Chief Operating Officer leads all areas of the firm’s operations and ensures that the firm’s lawyers and administrative team have the support and resources they need to maintain a high-functioning and positive workplace.

Areas of responsibility include finance and accounting, recruiting, human resources, professional development, information services and technology, facilities, events, marketing, and other key aspects of the business.

The Chief Operating Officer:

• Serves as a key collaborator with and advisor to the Management Committee and other partners, regularly providing in-depth and strategic analysis and advice on the firm’s operations and financial performance.
• Cultivates trust and maintains strong lines of communication with all members of the firm, regularly acting as the voice of the firm on big picture priorities and day-to-day activities.
• Serves as the firm’s liaison to the firm’s landlord, banks, government agencies, insurance agents, employee benefits providers, professional associations, vendors, and other external parties.

Duties include:

Strategic and Operational Leadership

• Work closely with firm leaders to identify priorities, solve problems, and allocate resources.
• Prepare Management Committee and Partner meeting agendas, supporting materials, and meeting minutes.
• Lead Management Committee and Partner meetings, facilitating discussions and making recommendations as appropriate. Take ownership of action items identified at meetings and see them through to completion.
• Plan and lead the annual Partner Retreat, including preparing materials and financial models to enable effective conversations that move the firm forward.

Financial

• Manage the firm’s Accounting team, with oversight of financial controls, processes, and personnel. Review and provide input on annual budgeting processes and monthly financial reports.
• Oversee agreements and relationships with CPA, banks, and credit card providers. Engage with CPA on annual tax preparation and tax issues that arise throughout the year.
• Track expenses, review and approve payments, and sign checks. Establish and improve financial controls and processes to ensure sound accounting practices.
• Use Excel to create and modify financial models and reports.
• Provide oversight of payroll process, including working with the payroll provider and related vendors to implement new policies and troubleshoot issues.

HR and Professional Development

• Lead all aspects of the firm’s talent management and human resources, including recruitment, on-boarding, performance evaluations, compensation and benefits, and legal compliance for attorneys and staff.
• Manage annual performance review, compensation, and merit bonus processes. Support individuals working to advance their careers or overcome performance issues by providing coaching and learning resources.
• Work with benefits brokers and Management Committee to choose medical/dental plans, and manage annual open enrollment process.
• Manage 401(k) plan in conjunction with the trustees, advisory team, and recordkeeper. Complete censuses, audits and other tasks required for annual maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Technology

• Lead all aspects of the firm’s IT, including collaboration with and oversight of the managed service provider. Ensure that the firm’s needs are met with IT hardware, licenses, and security and redundancy measures.
• Proactively stay informed on critical IT issues, such as cyber security and data privacy. Identify and implement cyber security training programs.
• Work closely with the IT managed service provider to control costs and ensure the firm’s systems work effectively and consistently. Troubleshoot day-to-day IT issues as they arise.

Lawyer Compliance and Office Services

• Ensure appropriate processes are in place for client records, including client intake, conflict checks, engagement letters, database management, and record retention.
• Help ensure bar compliance for all lawyers, including requirements related to CLEs and trust accounts.
• Manage the Office Services Coordinator, including oversight of equipment leases, supplier relationships, emergency preparedness, and kitchen and office supplies.

Insurance and Security

• Ensure the firm has appropriate levels of insurance, working with outside brokers to evaluate and renew professional liability, commercial, cyber and other policies.
• Implement appropriate cyber and physical security plans, including regular review of and training on those plans.

Marketing, Website and Events

• Manage the firm’s marketing efforts, including external communications, awards, and attorney listings.
• Update the firm’s website with new announcements, client testimonials, and changes to attorney bios.
• Plan and implement client-facing events, including education and networking opportunities for commercial brokers and members of the development community.
• Plan and implement firm lunches, parties and events, such as happy hours, summer activities, and the annual holiday party.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience as a lawyer or in a law firm/legal department preferred. Experience as a senior administrative or operational leader with another type of professional services firm or other relevant organization also considered.
• Experience managing operational business functions, including finance, human resources, technology, facilities, and marketing.
• Experience recruiting, mentoring, managing, and developing personnel, including building effective and engaged teams.
• Demonstrated ability to stay current on key issues facing law firms and the practice of law, including trends related to technology, financial controls, and attorney recruitment and retention.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully identify, analyze, and solve complex problems through collaboration and positive communication with others.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective and engaging written and verbal communication style.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

This position calls for a strong leader who enjoys being a team player. Natural curiosity, motivation for excellence, and a desire to take on new challenges will be essential. This important leadership role requires a highly effective professional who brings integrity, kindness, and a sense of humor to help create and support a positive culture and a strong future for the firm.

Send resume and statement of interest to Lainie Decker at ldecker@radlerwhite.com.

Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. Employment opportunities at Radler White Parks & Alexander LLP are based upon one’s qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job and without regard to race, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.