Executive Director (Law Firm)

Are you an accomplished lawfirm executive who leads through influence rather than authority? Do you thrivein an environment where collaboration, trust, and strategic leadership arevalued over micromanagement? This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasonedlaw firm or professional services executive who values collaboration,operational excellence, and lasting impact. The successful candidate will joina nationally respected litigation firm, lead an experienced administrativeteam, and play a central role in guiding the organization into its next chapterof success. A nationally recognized litigation boutique is seeking anexceptional Executive Director to guide its business operations andstrategic priorities as the firm’s current Executive Director prepares toretire. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the nation’s leading trialfirms and help shape its next chapter of operational excellence, innovation,and growth.Position: Executive DirectorCompensation: Up to $500,000 Base Salary + 20% Annual Bonus +excellent benefitsLocation: Houston, TexasHybrid Schedule: 4 Days In-Office / 1 Day WFHThe OpportunityReportingto the Managing Partners and working closely with the Executive Committee, theExecutive Director will serve as the firm’s senior operational leader andstrategic partner. The Executive Director will align people, processes,technology, and culture with the firm’s long-term objectives while providingstrategic oversight of the firm’s administrative and operational functions,including: Accounting and Financial administration, Human Resources, InformationTechnology, Information Security, Facilities and Real Estate, Office Management,Recruiting, Policy and Compliance, Business Continuity, Firmwide Strategic Initiatives.The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with strong operationalexecution and exceptional relationship-building skills.Leadership Style MattersThe firm is looking for atrusted advisor, coach, and sounding board who knows how to listen,collaborate, and guide. The successful ExecutiveDirector will create an environment where directors and managers feelcomfortable sharing concerns, exploring ideas, and driving solutions. Thisleader will provide perspective, encouragement, accountability, and strategicguidance while allowing experienced department leaders the autonomy to leadeffectively. This is not a fit for acommand-and-control, dictatorial, or micromanagement leadership style.Essential ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership andFirm Governance

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the ManagingPartners and Executive Committee on operational, organizational, and administrative matters affecting the firm.
• Partner with firm leadership to develop, prioritize, track, and execute strategic initiatives and firm objectives.
• Lead organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, and change management initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate with department leaders to ensure accountability and the successful achievement of desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with the CFO and firm leadership on operational budgeting and the evaluation of significant business initiatives.
• Coordinate and facilitate Executive Committee, partner, and attorney meetings, including agendas, minutes, and follow-up execution.
• Support the year-end employee compensation and partner distribution processes.

People and OrganizationalDevelopment

• Provide executive oversight for all administrative departments and non-attorney personnel firmwide through department directors and managers.
• Partner with the Human Resources Director on talent management, compensation and benefits strategy, employee relations, and organizational development.
• Champion employee engagement, retention, succession planning, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop administrative department heads and managers across all offices.
• Empower leaders to address challenges, develop talent, and achieve departmental and firm objectives.

Operational Excellence andProcess Improvement

• Oversee firm operations to ensure efficient, effective, and scalable service delivery across all offices.
• Maintain alignment between firm operations, approved budgets, and strategic objectives.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate operational metrics and key performance indicators.
• Monitor operational performance and budget adherence across administrative departments.
• Recommend operational adjustments as needed.
• Approve significant operational expenditures within delegated authority.

Technology and Innovation

• Partner with information technology leadership to develop and execute the firm’s technology strategy.
• Serve on the firm’s Information Technology andInformation Security Committees.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement through the thoughtful adoption of automation, artificial intelligence, and other technology solutions.
• Identify opportunities to use technology to improve productivity, efficiency, security, and client service.

Facilities and Real Estate

• Coordinate with the Director of Facilities on office leases, space planning, buildouts, renovations, and facilities-related projects.
• Ensure the firm’s facilities support its operational, client service, and growth objectives.

Risk, FinancialManagement, and Business Continuity

• Collaborate with firm leadership to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Review and evaluate major contracts, vendor relationships, professional service engagements, and significant financial commitments.
• Support crisis planning and business continuity initiatives.

Governance, Policy, andCompliance

• Oversee the development, review, maintenance, communication, and implementation of firm policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, audit, certification, and risk management requirements.
• Support firm leadership and committees in the development and execution of governance initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Direct firmwide communications regarding operational matters, including policy updates, committee matters, office closures, and other organizational announcements.

Leadership andRelationship Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor, coach, and sounding board for administrative department heads and managers.
• Develop leadership effectiveness through active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and thoughtful counsel.
• Build trusted relationships with attorneys, staff, vendors, and external partners.
• Travel to the firm’s offices as needed to support operations, leadership initiatives, and organizational objectives.

Candidate QualificationsThe ideal candidate willpossess:

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a law firm or professional services organization
• Experience managing or overseeing multiple administrative functions
• Demonstrated success leading organizational transformation and strategic initiatives
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Outstanding leadership, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution
• Experience working effectively with partners, attorneys, executives, directors, and managers
• The ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with diplomacy and confidence
• A reputation for integrity, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
• A collaborative and empowering leadership style

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