Griffin Legal is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead the day-to-day operations, financial management, and performance of teams across a busy Canberra-based, nationally operating legal and advisory firm.
This is a senior leadership role for a candidate who combines strong commercial and financial discipline with a rigorous, detail oriented approach to operational management and a demonstrated ability to drive organisational growth.
About the Firm
Griffin Legal is a Canberra-based, nationally operating legal and advisory firm, with its head office in Canberra. Griffin Legal is a SME.
The firm primarily services government, not-for-profit and business. The firm also has a well-established conveyancing and wills practice. Griffin Legal is known for practical advice and innovative solutions tailored to client needs, delivering on timeliness, quality, communication and price.
Founded in 2009 as a modern alternative to traditional large firms, Griffin Legal has built a strong track record of community engagement, including support for local staff and suppliers, and was recognised as the ACT Law Society's Firm of the Year in 2022 for its pro-bono contributions and commitment to diversity and staff wellbeing.
Griffin Legal’s core values are integrity, excellence and collaboration. Our culture statement requirements that its staff work as a team, respecting and supporting each other as we deliver innovative solutions to our clients.
About the Role
The COO will be responsible for:
the financial management of the firm, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting and driving efficiency and accountability across all teams and the firm as a whole
the operational management of the firm ensuring the efficient delivery of the firm’s day to day operations which importantly include the seamless delivery of client services
overseeing and working with team leaders to improve the performance of teams against strategic and financial objectives
meeting daily operational and strategic challenges and needs using critically thinking skills to provide solutions that meet the requirements of the whole firm
This is a hands‑on role requiring close, day‑to‑day involvement in the firm's operations — from monitoring financial performance and resourcing, to supporting team leaders and ensuring operational issues are resolved as they arise — ensuring the firm runs smoothly, efficiently, and consistently day in, day out.
This is a new role at the firm. To ensure its success, the successful candidate will be expected to invest time in understanding the firm's people, culture, and operations before proposing or implementing significant changes, ensuring any proposals are well-informed and aligned with the firm's values, strategic direction and budgets.
The successful candidate will work with the Partners and other team leaders, as well as a small operations team. The COO will report to the firm’s directors.
Key Selection Criteria
Relevant tertiary qualifications in commerce, accounting or law
Senior management or operational leadership experience
Experience within a law firm or another client facing qualified services environment
Strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and performance metrics
Demonstrated experience leading organisational performance and accountability across teams
Demonstrated experience in ensuring the smooth day to day operations including a strong understanding of the requirements of IT, privacy, cyber security, human resources and work health and safety
Understanding of working in a law firm as a regulated business, and an SME
Strong project and change management capability including in IT and automation
Demonstrated ability to implement strategy, with a focus on operational execution
High level of organisational capability including the ability work across teams
Exceptional attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
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📌 Chief Operating Officer (Canberra)
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📍 Canberra