Legal Project Manager

Allen & Overy LLP; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London is seeking a Legal Project Manager to enhance project efficiency and client service. The role involves managing complex legal projects, fostering integration of project management techniques, and ensuring effective communication across teams. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, initiative, and a relevant degree. The position offers a hybrid working model and various benefits.

Benefits

Pension schemes

Health resources

Wellbeing services

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience as a matter manager in a law or professional services firm.
• Ability to manage workstreams within large, strategic projects on time and budget.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with scoping, budgeting, and project phase setup.
• Coordinating work efforts, status updates, and communication with clients.
• Supporting post-matter reviews and learning processes.

Skills

Organizational

Communication

Interpersonal

Initiative

Judgment

Multitasking

Education

Degree qualification

Project management certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Legal technology tools

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Legal Project Manager to join our team in London. The Project Management team is dedicated to providing legal project management tools, training, and support to our lawyers to enhance the delivery of our legal work, setting us apart from our competitors. Additionally, the department provides legal project manager resources to support our most complex matters.

The successful candidate will be a qualified junior or mid-level lawyer or will have experience as a Legal Project Manager. They must be hardworking, enthusiastic, a team player, possess a high level of initiative, and be willing to learn. Advanced organizational skills, attention to detail, and exemplary writing skills are essential. The role is permanent and involves direct client contact; therefore, excellent communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills are required.

Role purpose

1. The purpose of this role is to increase efficiency, provide exceptional client service, and improve profitability on our most complex matters through effective legal project management.
2. This position will help deliver tangible financial and non-financial benefits on key matters, developing and implementing best practices across the firm.
3. Working closely with Senior Legal Project Managers and lead partners, the LPM will assist in managing sophisticated client engagements and will delegate non-legal activities to junior team members.
4. The LPM will support matters where management to commercial terms is critical, involving multiple practice areas, fee earners, or jurisdictions, focusing on scope and delivery management to enhance revenue and efficiency.
5. The role involves fostering the integration of legal project management techniques into the firm's culture, utilizing technology, resources, and engagement plans to deliver high-value, client-centric, and profitable outcomes.
6. Supporting the development and implementation of legal project management best practices through training and tools.

Role and responsibilities

Supporting the lead matter partner and manager throughout complex matters, including:

Planning Phase

• Assisting with scoping, budgeting, and project phase setup
• Preparing project plans and timelines
• Coordinating the matter opening process
• Identifying stakeholders and establishing communication plans

Execution Phase

• Coordinating work efforts, status updates, and communication with clients
• Monitoring financial metrics and updating clients on fees and disbursements
• Updating project plans and timelines
• Coordinating cross-departmental activities
• Ensuring effective communication and managing risks and changes

Review & Close Phase

• Supporting post-matter reviews and learning processes
• Archiving know-how and closing matters

Additional duties

• Identifying and supporting process improvements
• Maintaining relationships with support departments
• Introducing efficiencies and coaching teams
• Facilitating process mapping, data analysis, and leveraging technology

Key requirements

• Experience as a matter manager in a law or professional services firm, preferably from a magic or silver circle firm
• Experience managing client-facing, fee-earning legal projects
• Ability to manage workstreams within large, strategic projects on time and budget
• Comfort with financial management
• Strong organizational, influencing, and multitasking skills
• High initiative, judgment, and troubleshooting skills
• Effective stakeholder relationship skills
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Degree qualification; project management certification (e.g., PRINCE2) is desirable
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and legal technology tools

Should you require additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability or health condition, please contact our recruitment team for assistance. We are an equal opportunities employer and value diversity. Our benefits include pension schemes, health resources, wellbeing services, and flexible working arrangements, including a hybrid model requiring at least 60% office presence.