Legal Project Manager

Downtown Philadelphia location. Up to $85,000

One of the largest, oldest and most prestigious law firms in the world, with more than 1,500 lawyers throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia seek an experienced Legal Project Manager. This visionary firm represents leading international businesses from FTSE 100 corporations to emerging enterprises.

As the Legal project manager, you will enable the firm to provide exemplary client service through application of advanced process and project management, matter management and client management. The project manager is expected to understand the firm’s business goals and manage legal matters to achieve firm profitability and client satisfaction. This includes utilizing project and process management methodologies and tools, analyzing financial data, creating Excel-based financial reports and building client communication tools (such as dashboards).

To be successful you need to have a keen understanding of project management and process improvement and the proper rigor to apply to a given legal matter to ensure best results. The candidate must be able to demonstrate significant intuitive flexibility in the choice and application of various finance, project and legal process management disciplines and tools (depending on the type of engagement), and the real and acknowledged needs for matter management of the legal team. The candidate must be able to take a long-term view with regard to the successful adoption and acceptance of legal project management and the firm as a whole.

You must be comfortable working with and leading teams of partners, associates and other legal personnel. Additionally, the candidate must be adept at navigating complex, high-pressure environments. The candidate will also interact directly with clients, maintaining and fostering positive relations while working on administrative and legal matters.

Specifically, you will define and confirm scope of legal matters, draft project charter, timeline, roles and responsibilities, budget, resources, deliverables, risks, communication plan and other essential project management tools and methodologies. Examine and explore opportunities for process improvement across the management of legal matters. Analyze data from firm financial systems and create Excel-based financial reports. Develop a keen understanding of law firm profitability metrics and key performance indicators and how they interrelate and demonstrate the ability to discuss those metrics with firm attorneys and clients. Compare matter progress to budget and convey status to firm attorneys and clients. Assist with the development of large-scale budget and matter work plans and configure our current matter management system to underpin the execution of the plans. Estimate the resources and participants (staffing) needed to achieve project goals and provide input in the budget-creation and matter work plan-creation process. Consult on the use of pricing methods and alternative fee and value-based billing arrangements as needed. Consult on the use of alternative staffing approaches and technology/automation where appropriate. Define project success criteria and disseminate data to involved parties throughout project lifecycle. Create and complete internal and external “after action reports” to facilitate the continuous improvement of the execution of our legal project management program and legal work at large. Partner with the Firm’s Knowledge Management, Pricing, Client Intelligence, Technology and Business Development groups to execute strategy and achieve program success. Conduct training on project management, process improvement, profitability and value services both at the firm and client level AND negotiate rate and fee agreements with clients and prepare partners for similar discussions

You must have a BA/BS and/or an MBA in business, finance, or accounting. Any legal education is highly desired and any PMP Certification or Paralegal experience a plus. Minimum five years of work experience in the finance or legal industry.

Computer proficient with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Visio, and Project are required. Must be able to learn, understand and apply finance skills and new technologies. Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products. Willingness to work remotely with the Global Team and maintain seamless communication.

9-5:30, $70,000 – $85,000 DOE, the firm offers outstanding benefits and perks, occasional overtime and travel and a very special team oriented happy positive culture.  You can also work out of any of their US offices: NYC, DC, LA, SF, Houston, Dallas, Chicago etc.