James Bridge
Fort Worth,Texas
Summary
A driven, dedicated Legal Professional with experience directing, supervising and management of operations with the ability to build relationships, resolve issues, and establish priorities to see projects /initiatives through completion. Reputations for strong analytical skills and providing creative ideas and solutions to consistently produce positive results to successfully attain firm goals.
A dedicated legal operations leader with a focus on strategic planning and management. Proven track record in guiding revenue growth, overseeing large teams, and optimizing firm operations. Known for strong analytical capabilities and fostering effective relationships to drive project success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney
Bailey & Galyen
04.2018 - Current
- Provide strategic direction, tactical planning, and management across all areas of the firm business, but with special focus on talent acquisition and firm growth with the hiring of 23 attorneys and opening new offices with negotiated long-term leases
- Manage all staff of 200 with reporting directly to the CEO
- Guide revenue and profit growth of all offices
- Controlled operating budget, including monthly, quarterly, and annual forecasting, to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Prepare monthly reports and analysis for direct reports to review and provide recommendations to improve efficiencies to meet fiscal performance objectives and metrics by reducing duplicate operating costs
- Implement procedures and training to improve efficiencies for both the firm lawyers and legal staff to ensure objectives were met
- Identified, recruited, and integrated several outside law firms and their staff into the firm
- Work directly with all office managers to address all clients matters with a strong emphasis on firm culture of client service
- Review, interpret and identified alarming trends or issues and provided solutions and control mechanisms to course correct.
- Coordinated operations of firm staff and clients during pandemic, implementing monthly employee testing.
- Ensure proper weekly accounting and coordination of all marketing endeavors in PPC campaigns, radio and TV spend
- Analyzed budgets and expenses using firm information management system to inform financial decisions.
- Work with the CFO on all Accounts Receivable and Payable
Attorney Supervisor and Operations Manager
Brian Loncar & Associates
09.2002 - 04.2018
- Oversaw operational issues and managed attorney operations across Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, McAllen, and Lubbock, ensuring seamless office functionality.
- Managed attorney fee awards for the firm to the firm under my direct supervision of more than $60+ million
- Managed personal docket of over 2000 clients during pre-litigation and litigation stages.
- Prepared monthly reports and analysis for Senior Management review and provided recommendations to improve efficiencies to meet fiscal performance objectives and metrics
- Reviewed, interpreted and identified alarming trends or issues and provided solutions and control mechanisms to course correct
- Worked with Mr. Loncar for developing and negotiating compensation arrangements of all employees
- Collaborated with Mr. Loncar and department heads to align efforts with firm financial goals.
- Created operating procedures to enhance client service across multiple offices.
Managing Attorney of Pre-Litigation Department
Bailey & Galyen
05.1999 - 09.2002
- Collaborated with Senior Management and Department Heads to align departmental goals with company objectives
- Managed talent acquisition and training initiatives for attorneys and staff in the department
- Primary firm contact for all medical providers and referrals
- Participated in weekly staff meetings to ensure cases were progressing according to legal timelines
- Compiled and presented monthly financial and project status reports to Senior Management
Junior Associate Attorney
Law Offices of Billy D. Hullum
11.1998 - 05.1999
- Prepared briefs, filed motions, and participated in depositions for Equal Employment Opportunity Commission cases involving US Postal Service and Western Currency Facility government employee claims.
Education
Juris Doctor -
Texas Wesleyan University
TexasBS - Political Science
Texas Christian University
TexasSkills
- Analytical Skills
- Operations
- Account Management
- Client Relations
- Leadership Skills
- Customer Service
- Planning/Coordinating
- Business Development
- Team Management
- Budget Management
- Goal Setting
- Financial Reporting
- Self-Starter
- Policies & Procedures
- Organization Skills
- Marketing of all Practice Specialties
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer and Firm Managing Attorney
Bailey & Galyen
04.2018 - Current
Attorney Supervisor and Operations Manager
Brian Loncar & Associates
09.2002 - 04.2018
Managing Attorney of Pre-Litigation Department
Bailey & Galyen
05.1999 - 09.2002
Junior Associate Attorney
Law Offices of Billy D. Hullum
11.1998 - 05.1999
Juris Doctor -
Texas Wesleyan University
BS - Political Science
Texas Christian University