Chief Executive Officer

Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP is a national law firm with offices in Victoria and Tsartlip, BC, as well as Toronto, ON. We aim to be the leading national law firm that provides excellent legal services to Indigenous communities, governments and businesses, advancing transformative change in an era of reconciliation and decolonization.

Role Overview

The new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) must embody authenticity, integrity, compassion, and strong character to be a good cultural fit for the firm. You should possess the ability to drive results with determination and resilience. Trust is paramount in this role. The CEO will be responsible for taking the strategic direction set by the partners and implementing it across the firm. The success of this role will be measured against the benchmarks outlined in the strategic plan. The CEO should have a comprehensive understanding of the overall scope and interconnected aspects of the firm’s operations and strategy, skilled in task delegation, and always have the firm’s best interests at heart. Demonstrated support of Indigenous culture and rights is preferred.

As the Chief Executive Officer, you will facilitate strategic planning and implementation. You will develop an engagement plan for firm members that includes collaboration with decision-makers. Creating strong, frequent internal communication channels across the firm to foster an open, encouraging, collaborative, and respectful working culture is essential. You must be an adept communicator of the firm’s vision and strategy, capable of winning the trust and confidence of all firm members; be, a creative and agile thinker ready to develop and revise plans in our rapidly evolving environment, and yet, you exhibit humility.

You will drive the strategic vision by leading the development and execution of both short and long-term strategic plans, mentoring and supporting the team in achieving their business objectives, optimizing operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, overseeing daily operations, and encouraging ongoing communication to ensure resources are supporting firm goals.

You will report directly to the Executive Committee and provide leadership and oversight to a team of seven operational and administrative directors and managers. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader with a growth mindset who is driven to advance the success of Woodward & Company.

Qualifications

• Law degree and/or MBA desired. Experience with Aboriginal law is an asset.

• 10+ years of effective strategic leadership in professional services, with a demonstrated interest in working with Indigenous nations, communities, businesses, or organizations is an asset.

• Legal services industry experience is preferred.

• Ability to manage cultural shifts and drive organizational change.

• Foster a culture of excellence and collaboration.

Why Woodward and Company?

Woodward offers fulfilling work, meaningful relationships, and a great workplace culture. The anticipated salary range is $175,000 – $225,000 per year (dependent on education and relevant experience) with generous benefits, including health, dental, RRSP contributions, vacation, wellness, relocation, and professional development allowances, and results-driven bonuses. The candidate must work in Victoria, BC, or be willing to relocate.

Woodward & Co. offers autonomy and flexibility with a hybrid work model.

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Woodward is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our legal services and work environments. We know that our diversity strengthens our values and that we all share responsibility for creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative workplace.

Applicants with Indigenous ancestry are strongly encouraged to apply.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP.

We can’t wait to meet you!