Critchfield is seeking a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The CAO is responsible for overseeing the firm’s non-legal daily administrative operations, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with its strategic business initiatives, and managing its administrative functions efficiently. The CAO provides leadership across multiple business functions, including finance, human resources, IT, facilities, and overall office management. The CAO works closely with the Managing Member and board to play a critical role in implementing best practices and managing firm resources to enhance firm performance and operational stability.
Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership:
- Oversee all non-legal day-to-day operations, including finance, HR, IT, marketing, and facilities management.
- Ensure operational stability by continuously improving processes, workflows, and business functions.
- Develop, refine, and implement administrative policies and procedures to improve productivity and service excellence.
- Manage the firm’s resources to ensure profitability and cost control.
- Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Collaborate with the Managing Member and board to support the firm’s long-term strategic plans.
- Drive initiatives that support the firm’s growth, client service, and market positioning.
- Ensure alignment between business objectives and operational capabilities.
- Financial Management:
- Work closely with the finance team to oversee the firm’s budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and expense analysis.
- Monitor operational costs, ensuring financial efficiency without compromising service quality.
- Provide insights into financial performance and guide decisions regarding investments, expenses, and growth opportunities.
- Client Management Support:
- Support business development efforts by ensuring the firm’s operations capabilities align with client needs and expectations.
- Collaborate with legal practice leaders to assess client feedback and improve service delivery.
- Implement innovative technologies and processes to enhance client experience and operational effectiveness.
- Human Resources & Talent Management:
- Partner with the HR department to attract, retain, and develop top legal and administrative talent.
- Ensure the firm’s culture is inclusive, collaborative, and supportive of professional growth and development.
- Works with HR on employee performance management, training, and leadership development initiatives.
- Supports efforts to improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
- Technology & Innovation:
- In conjunction with the technology committee, oversee the adoption and implementation of business-critical technology.
- Stay informed on the latest legal technology trends and ensure the firm remains competitive in leveraging new tools and software.
- Oversee data management, cybersecurity, and data protection measures to safeguard client and firm data.
- Work with IT professionals to implement systems that improve workflow automation and operational efficiency.
- Risk Management & Compliance:
- Develop and implement risk management strategies, ensuring the firm is protected against operational risks, security threats, and compliance issues.
- Work closely with legal teams to ensure client engagement, contract, and firm operations compliance.
- Facilities & Office Management:
- Monitor the firm’s physical office spaces, ensuring they meet the needs of staff and clients.
Required Skills/Abilities
- Operational Experience: Proven experience in managing multiple business functions, including finance, HR, IT and facilities.
- Leadership Skills: Proven experience in managing large teams and leading cross-functional initiatives. Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Financial Acumen: Strong background in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Technology Proficiency: Experience in leveraging technology to improve business operations, with knowledge of legal tech solutions and innovation trends.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically while ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly.
- Communication Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills to collaborate with attorneys, firm leadership, and administrative teams.
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in senior administrative, operations, or executive leadership role, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in related business, accounting, finance, law, or a related field is
required. - MBA or equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred.
- In-depth understanding of financial management principles, including budgeting, financial
analysis, and strategic planning.
Perks and Benefits
Critchfield currently offers a robust suite of benefits for our staff and attorneys including: training and development opportunities including an annual firm-wide Attorney Retreat, CLE and bar admission expense reimbursement, annual bonus program, 401 (k) plan, affordable health insurance, dental, vision, and short-term disability coverage, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, firm paid life insurance and long-term disability and paid vacation.