Snell & Wilmer

Chief Administrative Officer


PayCompetitive
LocationPhoenix/Arizona
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: CHIEF001536

      Snell & Wilmer has an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join the firm as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). You will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and play a pivotal role within our law firm's administrative team.

      You will be responsible for overseeing critical functions including office administration, file management, facilities management outsourcing, firm-wide communications, attorney onboarding/offboarding, and ensuring compliance with administrative policies and processes. The ideal candidate will excel in communication, problem-solving, and fostering cohesion across the firm.

      Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

      • Office Administration and Staffing:
        • Directly manage and support each of the firm’s individual office administrators, assisting the firm’s Executive Committee and COO in executing office administrative and operational needs
        • Directly manage and support the firm’s Senior Director of HR and work to develop and implement staffing models and workflows to support legal staff
        • Provide guidance and mentorship to the administrative team and those supporting it
        • Proactively address challenges and provide constructive solutions
        • Collaborate with office administrators and other support departments such as HR, IT, Accounting, Marketing, etc., to achieve firm-wide strategic objectives
        • Resolve any issues that may arise between attorneys and staff
        • Provide interim administration for other offices temporarily as needed
        • Develop and coordinate a comprehensive firmwide newsletter integrated with the firm's Intranet home page for news and announcements

      • Central Files, Facilities Management Outsourcing, and Logistics Solutions :
        • Supervise internal file storage processes, team members, and assets
        • Manage external file storage vendors to ensure cost-effective and high-quality solutions
        • Oversee facilities management, mail, reprographics vendor relationships, and mail and shipping logistics carriers
        • Administer office operations, including procurement of supplies and equipment, cost recovery, and centralized reception
        • Maintain records of firm-owned fine art and manage art-related transactions

      • Attorney Onboarding/Offboarding:
        • Manage the overall strategy, guidelines, and procedures for lateral onboarding
        • Coordinate with the Attorney Transition Specialist for the transfer of client files and other essential items
        • Partner with the Chief Talent Officer on lateral onboarding strategy and procedures

      • Manage firm Meetings and Committees, Calendars, and Invitations:
        • Assist the Firm Chair in managing firm committee listings, firm calendars, and coordinating invitations for all major meeting events

      • Administrative Policy & Process Compliance:
        • Develop and enhance Information Governance guidelines, working in coordination with the General Counsel's office to manage file and document retention (physical and digital) and standardize processes across offices and practices
        • Ensure adherence to administrative policies and approved procedures, in collaboration with the General Counsel's office
        • Provide input on and support revisions and improvements to the firm policy manual
        • Formulate, update, and implement firmwide disaster recovery policies and procedures
        • Oversee security and safety policies, including COVID-related protocols, in consultation with the Firm’s General Counsel and Directors of Administration

      Experience and Qualifications:

      • Bachelor's degree in Business or Accounting, or equivalent work experience, preferably within the legal industry
      • 5 to 8 years of experience in a senior management role
      • Proven history of driving organizational change and development within a growing organization
      • Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
      • Exceptional mentoring and coaching abilities for a diverse team
      • Effective influencer and manager of both direct and indirect reports
      • Results-oriented and self-reliant
      • Proficient in strategic and tactical thinking
      • Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
      • Ability to interface effectively with attorneys, senior management, committees, administrative teams, and staff

      Travel in this role will primarily consist of day trips between the firm's various offices within our general footprint, but additional hours may be needed for some of the travel.

      Snell & Wilmer offers a competitive performance-based compensation and a generous benefits package starting on your first day. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K/profit sharing, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, paid time off including vacation time, personal time, and sick time where appropriate. Snell & Wilmer values the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Valued, Belong.

      Snell & Wilmer is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

  • About the company

      Snell & Wilmer law offices are the West's largest full-service business law firm with attorneys based in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ; Orange County and Los Angeles, CA; Salt Lake City, UT; Denver, CO; and Reno and Las Vegas, NV. We also have offices in Los ...