Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Names Jessica Hoffmann Chief Operating Officer

Hoffmann will be the firm’s first female COO

DALLAS – Steptoe & Johnson PLLC has named Jessica Hoffmann its new Chief Operating Officer. She succeeds Richard J. Mackessy, who will continue in his role as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer. Hoffmann has nearly two decades of legal industry experience. Her career began as an attorney before she successfully transitioned to law firm leadership.  

As COO, Hoffmann will work with the firm’s CEO and executive committee to drive tactical, sustainable, and strategic growth to position the firm for the future. Additionally, she will oversee key administrative functions within the firm including finance, human resources, information technology, knowledge, research and information services, marketing, operations, and recruiting and professional development.  

“COO is an important position at our firm,” said Steptoe & Johnson CEO Christopher L. Slaughter. “Jessica will play a critical role in helping us achieve our strategic goals, which include ambitious plans to grow our national energy practice, expand the specialized services we offer to corporate clients, and deepen our bench in existing markets.”

Slaughter noted that Hoffmann will work out of the firm’s Dallas office. “Most of our management structure is currently in the East and can easily support our growth there. The fact that Jessica will be sitting in Dallas demonstrates our commitment to growth in Texas and the mid-continent. She will be a key driver of our work there.”

Hoffmann joins Steptoe & Johnson after serving as Business Unit Director for Clark Hill, where she oversaw the Real Estate and Tax and Estate Planning practices. Prior to Clark Hill’s merger with Strasburger & Price, LLP, Jessica was the Managing Director and COO of Strasburger & Price and led the firm’s administrative function for 10 years.  In these roles, Hoffmann led the creation and implementation of strategic initiatives, the development of attorney performance plans, rate structures, and compensation models, and worked with other firm leaders to make decisions on compensation, bonuses, and performance goals. She also led recruiting efforts for lateral talent, managed all leasehold space, office construction, contracts, and relocations, and negotiated all business contracts, including insurance and benefits, professional liability, medical insurance, and 401(k) plans. 

Hoffmann served on the large firm steering committee for the Association of Legal Administrators from 2015-2018 and is past president and board member of the organization’s Dallas chapter. She also serves on the advisory board of directors for the Bridge Breast Network, an organization dedicated to providing access to diagnostic and treatment services for breast cancer to underserved populations in North Texas.

Hoffmann earned her law degree from the University of Texas School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.   

About Steptoe & Johnson

Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is a law firm nationally recognized for its strengths in energy law with more than a century of know-how in the areas of business, labor and employment, and litigation.  Steptoe & Johnson has over 370 lawyers and other professionals practicing in 18 offices in Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia.  Visit www.steptoe-johnson.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information, contact Ryan Daniels, Chief Marketing Officer, at (614) 456-1647 or by email: press@steptoe-johnson.com.