Chief Operating Officer

Duvera Consulting LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 250,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Duvera Consulting LLC seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead full-firm operations from its Houston base, aligning HR, IT, marketing, facilities, and compliance with strategic growth across 7 Texas and US offices.

Working with the CEO and CFO, the COO will drive operational strategy, governance, and performance management while ensuring alignment of infrastructure and culture with client service objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership in law or professional services.
• Experience with retirement plan governance, employee benefits, HR compliance.
• Track record leading technology implementations including HRIS and practice management.
• Experience managing office buildouts, leases, and facilities projects.
• Strong knowledge of the Houston legal market and business community.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and practice management systems.

Responsibilities

• Set operational strategy with firm leadership and translate objectives into measurable goals.
• Oversee governance committees and cross-functional management teams.
• Align administrative infrastructure with growth initiatives including new office expansions.
• Direct interaction with Principals and Associates for guidance and support.
• Serve as fiduciary and decision-maker for benefits, compensation, and risk management.
• Lead vendor selection, contract management, and facilities projects.
• Collaborate with GC on risk, policy, and compliance matters.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

HR compliance

Technology implementations

Facilities management

Risk management

Building and leading teams

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Tools

MS Office

Practice management systems

Job description

Duvera's client, a well-establish law firm in downtown Houston is searching for a Chief Operating Officer to serve as the firm’s senior operational leader. The COO oversees full-firm operations across the firm’s 7 offices in Texas and across the US and holds direct accountability for general operations, human resources, information technology, marketing, facilities, and compliance.

Working in close partnership with the CEO and CFO, firm leadership and attorney committees, the COO sets operational strategy, ensures accountability across all administrative and legal support functions, and aligns the firm’s infrastructure with its strategic growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Partner with firm leadership, the Executive Committee, and attorney committees to set operational strategy and translate strategic objectives into measurable operational goals.
• Oversight and participation in the firm Executive Committee, Technology/Innovation Committee, Mentoring Committee, Productivity Committees, and office-level and firm-level action groups that support governance, strategic planning, operational policy, and attorney productivity.
• Align administrative infrastructure with the firm’s growth initiatives, including lateral hiring and integration and new office expansion.
• Direct and meet regularly with cross-functional management teams in Information Systems and Technology, Human Resources, Marketing and Business Development, Accounting and Finance, Recruiting and Onboarding, Facilities Management, and Litigation Support.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for firm Principals and Associates for general assistance and guidance.

Compensation, Benefits, and Human Resources

• Coordinate and participate in all Principal, Associate, and staff compensation processes, including market research, attorney rankings, bonus calculations, and compensation communications.
• Oversee the firm’s performance management system and attorney ranking framework.
• Serve as primary fiduciary decision-maker for the firm’s 401(k) and profit-sharing plan, including contribution decisions, plan loan approvals, broker relationships, and regular plan governance meetings.
• Manage the firm’s medical, dental, and overall benefits program, including cost analysis, annual renewals, provider selection, and broker relationships.
• Oversee recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and workforce planning for attorneys and staff.

Technology, Innovation, and Security

• Partner with IT Director to lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of firm-wide technology, including accounting, e-billing, HR, practice management, and artificial intelligence platforms.
• Drive cybersecurity strategy and solutions in coordination with Information Systems leadership.
• Promote adoption of legal technology and AI tools to improve attorney productivity and client service.

Facilities and Vendor Management

• Manage office leases, buildouts, renovations, and relocations from lease negotiation through planning, construction, phasing, and move-in.
• Oversee vendor selection, contracting, and vendor performance management across firm functions.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Work closely with the firm’s General Counsel on risk, policy, litigation, and compliance matters.
• Serve as primary contact for the firm’s professional liability insurance applications and renewals.
• Maintain firm policies and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and ethical requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA or related) preferred.
• [10+] years of progressive operations leadership experience in a law firm or professional services environment, including senior-level oversight of multi-office operations.
• Working knowledge of retirement plan governance, employee benefits, and HR compliance.
• Track record leading technology implementations, including time and billing, HRIS, document management, and AI-enabled platforms.
• Experience managing office buildouts, lease negotiations, and facilities projects.
• Strong understanding of the Houston legal market and business community preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and knowledge of legal practice management systems.
• Trusted advisor to Principals and firm leadership
• Building and leading high-performance operational teams
• Discretion with confidential financial and personnel matters
• Commitment to firm culture, values, and client service