Carina Bittel, C.Dir.

Experience

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  DS Management

  Jan 1996 - Jan 1999

  Communications Manager
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  Douglas Symes & Brissenden

  Jan 1998 - Oct 2000

  Marketing Manager
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  Clark Wilson LLP

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2022

  Chief Operating Officer

  I began my career with Clark Wilson as the firm’s first Marketing Director, which provided a solid grounding in the complex business of law and its nuances. My position progressed from a marketing focus to broader business roles as I worked with the Managing Partner and Executive Committee to define and pursue new strategic goals and growth strategies. In 2014, I became Clark Wilson’s Chief Operating Officer.As COO, I was responsible for all aspects of business operations, including: firm strategic planning and plan implementation; administrative team management; revenue planning and expense budgeting; lawyer recruitment, retention and management; premises planning and renovation; and policy development. As a result of our strategic focus and investment in People, and in spite of an extremely tight market for talent, Clark Wilson expanded practice scope, depth of talent, and client base to become one of the largest and highest profile firms in Vancouver (Business in Vancouver Largest Law Firms 2022). In addition, since 2018, Clark Wilson has been certified as one of the top 100 “Best Places to Work” in Canada by Great Place to Work® Canada, based on the confidential and comprehensive survey feedback of >80% of our employees.In my tenure as COO, I was proud to be known as a “sounding board” for leadership, lawyers and staff on all variety of complexities and decisions, for providing strategic, practical and thoughtful advice, for my passionate interest in the firm’s culture, and for being an ambassador for the firm’s values in all of our business decisions. Show less

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  Carina Bittel Consulting

  Jan 2023 - now

  Principal

  My experience in the legal sector includes all aspects of business operations, the foundation for my practical and comprehensive approach to helping firms achieve their goals. My consulting practice is focused on the areas where I am most passionate and authentic:Strategic planning for the firm, practice groups and individual practitioners aspiring to achieve their unique “next level.” Understanding and proactively cultivating culture and values, fundamental to recruitment, retention and succession strategies. Integrating operational areas (Marketing, HR, Systems, Professional Development, Accounting) to create cohesive solutions supporting firm strategy.New COO coaching, geared to supporting new COOs and Senior Administrative Professionals from outside the legal industry to understand their new professional world and its unique quirks, opportunities and landmines. Show less