This article is the second in a series examining how executive-level positions are changing at law firms.

The future of law firms may just lie in the hands of nonlawyers, as experienced chief operating officers gain stature at firms of all sizes.

The role of law firm COO­—often a nonlawyer position­—is hardly new. But the job's influence has grown over time, and observers said it will likely expand further as firms become more client-driven and business-savvy.