Executive Director (Law Firm)

Burnett Specialists Staffing | Recruiting; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 500,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The firm seeks an Executive Director to oversee business operations and strategic priorities, reporting to the Managing Partners. This senior role aligns people, processes, technology, and culture with long-term objectives across finance, HR, IT, facilities, and policy.

You will guide organizational development, governance, budgeting, risk management, and succession planning, while coaching department heads and ensuring cross-office coordination in a national litigation environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Advanced degree preferred for added capability.
• Ten or more years of leadership experience in a law firm or professional services organization.
• Experience overseeing multiple administrative functions and driving transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational leadership across finance, HR, IT, facilities, and policy.
• Lead strategic initiatives with the Managing Partners and Executive Committee.
• Develop budgeting, risk management, and business continuity plans.
• Coach department heads and build leadership across offices.
• Ensure governance and policy alignment with firm objectives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational leadership

Financial acumen

Change management

Governance

People development

Stakeholder collaboration

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Are you an accomplished law firm executive who leads through influence rather than authority? Do you thrive in an environment where collaboration, trust, and strategic leadership are valued over micromanagement? This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned law firm or professional services executive who values collaboration, operational excellence, and lasting impact. The successful candidate will join a nationally respected litigation firm, lead an experienced administrative team, and play a central role in guiding the organization into its next chapter of success. A nationally recognized litigation boutique is seeking an exceptional Executive Director to guide its business operations and strategic priorities as the firm?s current Executive Director prepares to retire. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the nation?s leading trial firms and help shape its next chapter of operational excellence, innovation, and growth.

Position: Executive Director
Compensation: Up to $500,000 Base Salary + 20% Annual Bonus + excellent benefits
Location: Houston, Texas
Hybrid Schedule: 4 Days In-Office / 1 Day WFH

The OpportunityReporting to the Managing Partners and working closely with the Executive Committee, the Executive Director will serve as the firm?s senior operational leader and strategic partner. The Executive Director will align people, processes, technology, and culture with the firm?s long-term objectives while providing strategic oversight of the firm?s administrative and operational functions, including: Accounting and Financial administration, Human Resources, Information Technology, 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 operational execution and exceptional relationship-building skills.

Leadership Style MattersThe firm is looking for a trusted advisor, coach, and sounding board who knows how to listen, collaborate, and guide. The successful Executive Director will create an environment where directors and managers feel comfortable sharing concerns, exploring ideas, and driving solutions. This leader will provide perspective, encouragement, accountability, and strategic guidance while allowing experienced department leaders the autonomy to lead effectively. This is not a fit for a command-and-control, dictatorial, or micromanagement leadership style.

Strategic Leadership and Firm Governance

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the Managing Partners 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 Organizational Development

• 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 and Process 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 and Information 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, Financial Management, 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, and Compliance

• 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 and Relationship 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 Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• 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