Strategy, systems, and soul

The engine behind any great law firm isn’t just the trial work in the courtroom — it’s the operational excellence that allows those trials to happen. This month, we are proud to introduce the newest leader of that engine: Matt Ziser, our Operations Director.

With more than 20 years of experience in senior strategy and operational leadership, Matt brings a formidable pedigree to Coopers LLP. A graduate of UC Berkeley with a JD-MBA from Northwestern University’s Pritzker School of Law and Kellogg School of Management, Matt’s career has spanned management consulting and executive leadership. He is an expert at scaling professional service firms, implementing complex enterprise systems, and building people-centered environments.

But beyond the impressive credentials, Matt is a leader who prioritizes values and culture.

Finding a cultural connection

When asked what drew him to the firm, Matt points to a rare alignment between professional goals and personal ethics. “Apart from the clear alignment between the role and my background, I was drawn to the firm’s strong values articulated via the website and early conversations,” Matt shares. Having seen a vast array of business environments, he recognized something different here. “It was clear to me from the beginning that Coopers’ thoughtful approach to how it goes about its business was unique and admirable, and the values coincided with my own.”

Hitting the ground running

Transitioning into a leadership role at a hybrid firm can be a challenge, but Matt found the perfect “icebreaker” in his first few months. “Getting to meet the entire team early on at the annual holiday party was great,” he says. But while the social connection was vital, Matt is most at home when he’s solving problems. “Just getting in and getting my hands dirty early has been a highlight.”

Life beyond the spreadsheet

When he isn’t streamlining our internal systems, Matt is a devoted family man living in the East Bay with his wife and two children. You can often find him cooking, cheering on Cal athletic events, or chasing his passion for live music.

Though he admits his concert schedule is a bit more limited these days thanks to the kids, he recently caught a piece of music history. “I was fortunate enough to catch Bob Weir’s last show with the Dead at Golden Gate Park back in August,” he notes — a fittingly legendary experience for a leader who values both tradition and innovation.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Matt’s pragmatic, analytical, and heart-led approach guiding our operations as we continue to grow and fight for our clients. Welcome to the team, Matt!