POSITION SUMMARY
Steptoe & Johnson is seeking an experienced management professional with demonstrated success leading the operations of a law firm, other professional services firms, or other business organizations. The ideal candidate must have strong business acumen and human resources skills, and bring a “firm first” approach to this position. Importantly, the Chief Operating Officer will be given considerable authority in helping to achieve the firm’s strategic goals and objectives, including improved operating efficiencies, revenue growth and enhanced profitability. The candidate must have effective organizational, communications and interpersonal skills, must be an excellent problem-solver, and team player, and must work effectively with other motivated professionals in a fast-paced environment.
The Chief Operating Officer will be a key member of the firm’s management team, working closely with the firm’s leadership and Executive Committee to carry out the firm’s strategic plan with an emphasis on profitable growth achieved through outstanding client service and efficient operations. The COO will have responsibility and oversight over the firm’s business, financial and administrative operations and be expected to identify, plan for and respond to the changing external forces and needs of a dynamic organization and marketplace. The COO will provide leadership to the firm’s administrative functions including its Accounting and Finance Department, Marketing and Business Development Department, Research and Information Services Department, Information and Technology Department, Human Resources Department, Facilities Department, as well as talent management, knowledge management, pricing and client value initiatives.
SUMMARY OF FIRM
Steptoe & Johnson has an established reputation for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm is known for its ability to help clients solve high-stakes, multidimensional problems, particularly those with a governmental aspect. The firm traces its Washington DC roots back to 1945, when it opened as the D.C. office of a well-established West Virginia law firm. That affiliation ended amicably in 1980 with both firms keeping the same Steptoe and Johnson name. The firm has 500 lawyers in 9 offices—Washington, DC (HQ), New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, London, Brussels, and Beijing
The firm is managed by an elected Chair and Vice Chair of its Executive Committee with separately elected Compensation and Professional Advancement Committees. The firm’s practice areas are divided into four Departments managed by Department Heads and Practice Group Leaders.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant prior experience at the senior executive level in a large, complex, organization with a reputation for world-class financial and administrative management. Preference for candidates who have served at the top level of a large law firm or other professional service organization with multiple locations.
- Demonstrated track record in effectively managing a broad range of functions to successfully achieve enterprise goals while providing a high level of internal customer satisfaction.
- Experience serving as a key strategic and business partner to management and as an integral member of a senior, multi-office professional services firm.
- An understanding of the culture of a top tier professional services firm, particularly those that often emphasize collaboration and consensus-building.
- Proven business and financial acumen with a sound understanding of how professional service firms operate.
- Proven ability to develop high-performing teams and to promote collaboration across the enterprise.
- Strong academic credentials, with an MBA, or equivalent degree, preferred.
- Individual expected to travel regularly to the firm’s offices and elsewhere for other firm-related business.
APPLICATIONS
The McCormick Group has been retained by Steptoe & Johnson to handle the search. Interested candidates should contact The McCormick Group’s Stephen Nelson (snelson@tmg-dc.com) or Cassie Battle (cassieb@tmg-dc.com).
