Q1 2025 saw a 52% surge in C-suite appointments across AmLaw and Global 50 firms.
Legal industry transformation is no longer a concept - it's a movement. Q1 2025 saw a 52% surge in C-suite appointments across AmLaw and Global 50 firms, marking a decisive shift in how law firms are structuring for the future. At the heart of this evolution? The rise of the Chief Operating Officer.
Once a behind-the-scenes operator, the COO is now emerging as a strategic linchpin. Q1 saw a sharp uptick in COO appointments, reflecting a broader recalibration of leadership priorities. Firms are increasingly leaning on operational leaders to drive transformation, align execution with strategy, and navigate complexity with agility.
Over half of Q1’s appointments were for newly created roles - many in Operations, HR, and Marketing - signalling a readiness to invest in business-critical functions. Notably, bespoke titles like Chief Resilience Officer and Chief Intake Officer made their debut, underscoring firms’ response to geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
For the first time in over a year, women comprised the majority (53%) of C-suite hires. Marketing, HR, and Operations led the way, suggesting a promising shift toward more inclusive leadership at the highest levels.
As firms continue to balance ambition with execution, Qurated anticipates further investment in operational leadership, technology, and strategic HR. The legal C-suite is evolving, and the COO may well be its cornerstone.
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