Strategy & Operations Analyst

Michael Best; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional Growth Opportunities

Wellness Program

401(k) with Company Contribution

Job summary

Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP is seeking a Strategy & Operations Analyst to support the COO and CGO. This early-career role emphasizes independent research, data analysis, and executive-level presentations to inform strategic decisions.

The 24–36 month developmental opportunity provides exposure to operations, strategy, growth initiatives, and leadership within a national law firm. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and strong analytical capabilities.

Qualifications

• Approximately 2 years of post-undergraduate professional experience.
• 1–2 years in management consulting, finance, corporate strategy or similar analytic role preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and synthesize findings into executive-ready analysis and presentations.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated fluency with AI tools and rapid adoption of new technology to improve work speed and quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executives and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Strong execution focus and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Discretion and integrity handling sensitive information.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on markets, competitors, and industry trends for COO/CGO.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to surface actionable insights.
• Benchmark firm performance against AmLaw peers and professional services firms.
• Translate research into executive-ready presentations and memos for senior leadership.
• Support leadership meetings, events, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Coordinate across departments to track milestones and deliverables.
• Develop data visualizations and talking points for informed decisions.

Skills

Research

Data analysis

Executive presentations

Excel (advanced)

PowerPoint (advanced)

AI tools fluency

Communication with executives

Project management

Discretion & confidentiality

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

AI tools

Job description

Michael Best is seeking a Strategy & Operations Analyst, a high-impact, early-career role that provides direct support to the firm’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the firm’s Chief Growth Officer (CGO). This position plays a key role in informing strategic decision‑making through independent research, data analysis, and the development of executive‑level presentations and recommendations for firm leadership.

Designed as a 24–36-month developmental opportunity, this role offers exceptional exposure to the operations, strategy, growth initiatives, and executive leadership of a nationally recognized law firm. It serves as an ideal launchpad for ambitious professionals seeking to build a career at the intersection of business, strategy, and the legal industry. High‑performing individuals may have the opportunity to grow into broader or longer‑term roles based on organizational needs and demonstrated success.

Given the highly visible nature of the position and the sensitive information it supports, the successful candidate must demonstrate exceptional professionalism, sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to handle confidential matters with the utmost discretion.

What You’ll Be Doing

Approximately 80% of this role is strategic in nature—independent research, analysis, and the preparation of executive‑level presentations—with the remaining 20% supporting firm operations, leadership meetings, and high‑profile events.

Research & Analysis

• Conduct independent research on markets, competitors, industry trends, and the operational and strategic questions posed by the COO and CGO.
• Gather, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to surface insights that inform firm decision‑making.
• Benchmark firm performance and practices against AmLaw 100/200 peers and leading professional‑services organizations.
• Synthesize complex information into clear, concise findings and actionable recommendations.
• Approach open‑ended and ambiguous problems with structure, rigor, and sound analytical judgment.

Executive & Leadership Presentations

• Translate research and analysis into polished, executive‑ready presentations, briefings, and memos for firm leadership.
• Prepare materials for the Management Committee, C‑Suite, Practice Group Chairs, and other senior stakeholders.
• Develop clear data visualizations, talking points, and supporting narratives that enable confident, well‑informed decisions.
• Ensure all deliverables meet a high standard of accuracy, clarity, and professional polish.

Special Projects

• Support a varied portfolio of high‑priority, cross‑functional initiatives spanning the COO’s and CGO’s remits.
• Serve as an analytical and project‑support resource on strategic initiatives from initiation through execution.
• Coordinate across departments and stakeholders to advance projects, tracking milestones, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities and take on new assignments as firm needs evolve.

Leadership Meeting Management

• Build agendas, assemble pre‑read materials, and coordinate the flow of recurring leadership forums (e.g., Management Committee and C‑Suite meetings).
• Capture key decisions, action items, and follow‑ups, and track them through to completion.
• Ensure firm leaders are well‑prepared with the right materials in advance of each meeting.
• Support the planning and execution of leadership and firm‑wide events, such as the Fall Retreat.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors on content, materials, and logistics.
• Help ensure events are well‑organized, professional, and aligned with firm objectives.
• All other duties, as assigned and/or recommended.

Job Requirements

Education

Experience

• Approximately 2 years of post‑undergraduate professional experience
• 1–2 years of experience in management consulting, finance, corporate strategy, Big 4 advisory, or a comparable analytical/professional‑services role preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and synthesize findings into executive‑ready analysis and presentations
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced level Excel and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated fluency with AI tools and a track record of rapidly adopting new technology to improve the speed and quality of work
• Prior exposure to a professional‑services firm or partnership environment a plus
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at multiple levels, including at the executive level
• Strong execution focus; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines
• Process discipline and attention to detail, consistency, and follow‑through
• Sound judgment, including knowing when to decide vs. elevate and how to manage risk
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, professional environment with changing priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, executive‑quality writing and presentations for senior audiences.
• Strong service orientation, responsiveness, flexibility, and adaptability in supporting senior leaders.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build credibility with partners and peers
• Intellectual curiosity and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to structure and work through ambiguous problems independently.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and demonstrate good judgment.
• Must demonstrate a high level of integrity and professional discretion; with the proven ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.
• Demonstrated fluency with AI‑enabled tools and eagerness to rapidly adopt new technology to enhance research, analysis, and output; uses approved AI‑enabled tools responsibly and effectively, consistent with organizational policies, confidentiality, and applicable laws.
• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full‑service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high‑net‑worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC. Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position will be based in our Chicago office.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well‑being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs
• Medical
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

Compensation for this position will range from $70,000 - $85,000, depending on experience and location.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because, a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or [e-mail] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.