Legal Project Manager

Steptoe & Johnson LLP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Legal Project Manager to enhance legal project management processes. This role involves supporting case teams throughout the project lifecycle, including scoping, planning, and budgeting. The ideal candidate will leverage technology and data analysis to improve efficiency and effectiveness in legal matters. With a focus on leadership and communication, this position offers the opportunity to work closely with attorneys and various administrative departments. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence in client service, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401K Plan

Profit-Sharing

Paid Time Off

Wellness Program

Qualifications

• 10+ years in legal project management or law firm pricing.
• Experience with data and financial analysis in a legal context.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage legal matters through project scoping and budgeting.
• Train lawyers on legal project management processes.
• Identify improvements to legal project management processes.

Skills

Legal Project Management

Data Analysis

Financial Analysis

Communication Skills

Leadership

Process Improvement

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Graduate Degree (MBA or JD)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerBI

Tableau

SQL

Elite Enterprise

Job description

Please Read The Following Paragraphs Carefully! By submitting this application, you indicate that you have read and understand the paragraphs, and agree to them. Nothing contained in this employment application, or in any of the Firm's other rules, regulations, policies, or practices (which are subject to change at any time) guarantees that I will be hired. In addition, I understand that, if I am hired, my continued employment is not guaranteed for any specific term or time period. Both Steptoe LLP ("the Firm") and I have the right to terminate any employment relationship at will at any time, with or without advance notice, and with or without any reason or cause. This paragraph is the complete and exclusive statement regarding the circumstances under which any employment I may have at the firm can be terminated. The facts set forth in this application and any attached resume are true and complete. I understand that any false answers or statements or any misleadings or material omissions made by me in this application and resume or in responding to interview questions or other requests for information during any point in the hiring process, can be grounds for my rejection as a candidate for employment. If I am hired and such false answers or omissions are later discovered, I understand that I may be immediately discharged because of such falsehoods or omissions. By submitting my application, I certify that I have personally completed this application. I authorize the firm to seek from school officials and all my previous employers any and all opinions and information pertaining to my education and employment history; and I authorize such employers and educational institutions to release that information. I release, promise to hold harmless and covenant not to sue the firm based on its attempts to obtain such opinions and information; and I release, promise to hold harmless and covenant not to sue any educational institution or previous employer on the basis of its disclosure of such opinions and information to the firm. I understand that this application is valid for the position listed.

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Position(s) I am Applying for

Legal Project Manager

Steptoe LLP, a Washington, DC-based Am Law 100 firm, is actively seeking a Legal Project Manager. This role s upports case teams throughout the Legal Project Management (LPM) lifecycle, including scoping, planning, budgeting, and managing and tracking work, cost, and resources on a matter. Trains lawyers on LPM processes, technology, and reporting tools. Works closely with lawyers and with professionals in the Client Value Department, as well as other administrative departments such as Finance, Accounting, Billing, Marketing and Business Development, New Business Intake, the General Counsel’s Office, IT, and others. This position may be based out of any of our U.S. offices: Washington, DC, New York, Chicago, Houston, or Los Angeles.

Essential Functions

• The Legal Project Manager is responsible for supporting firm attorneys by actively managing legal matters through tailored and appropriate support that combines project scoping, budgeting, staffing and role assignment, communication planning and management, and monitoring and analyzing relevant matter data.
• The Legal Project Manager must be able to leverage technology and analyze existing matters and relevant historical data sets to assist with budget development and overall matter planning.
• Successful candidate should be a proven leader capable of guiding and facilitating strategy discussions with executive-level personnel, as well as recalibrating project plans and workflows to incorporate both new information and lessons learned from closed/completed projects.
• Must be able to demonstrate sophistication in data analysis and financial analysis, with a particular focus on law firm economics, its key concepts and KPIs.
• Must be an excellent trainer, communicator and explainer, with the ability to clearly explain legal tech and LPM principles and practices to lawyers and other firm personnel.
• Produce and maintain effective reporting and tracking on assigned projects; identify and work with Practice and Firm management to address matters with significant budget variances.
• Ensure proper data hygiene by reviewing matter-based task codes and revise as necessary.
• Work with lawyers to develop proprietary and practice-specific phase and task codes as well as other standard legal project management document including but not limited to, scoping documents, checklists, budget templates, etc. and coordinate the implementation and utilization accordingly.
• Work closely with other firm functions, such as Pricing, Finance, Billing, and Marketing and Business Development.
• Continuously identify improvements to LPM processes and support change management necessary to the implementation of these processes.
• Identify opportunities to increase case team efficiencies through process improvement or automation.
• Assist with developing and leading formal LPM training programs.
• Stay apprised of industry trends.

Non-Essential Functions

• Perform other tasks and project as assigned to meet the requirements of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA, BS or equivalent bachelor’s degree is required.
• Graduate degree is preferred (particular preference for MBA or JD).
• Formal project management or process improvement credentials preferred (for example, PMP certification, Six Sigma Certification, LPM-specific cert, etc.).
• At least 10 years of professional experience, preferably in areas related to law firm pricing or legal project management.
• AmLaw 100 experience is preferable.

Success Factors

• The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, independent professional dedicated to excellence in client service and able to inspire confidence in the firm’s attorneys and their clients.
• The Legal Project Manager is dedicated to providing high-value, strategic business consulting services. The role requires intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in finding new ways to improve law firm business processes and to solve difficult business problems.
• The Legal Project Manager must be a trusted leader who is capable of building consensus and managing and balancing stakeholder priorities through the project lifecycle. The successful candidate has the ability to interact with all levels of the organization, employing a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• The successful candidate should have experience managing and mentoring direct reports, including helping team members develop professionally, providing clear expectations and feedback, and appropriately allocating team time and resources.
• Demonstrates expertise in LPM and legal process re-engineering techniques and tools.
• Displays strong project management and leadership skills.
• Displays superior analytical skills and a determination to ask the next appropriate question, engaging critically toward solutions.
• Delivers high quality, accurate and timely work product and results, and demonstrates the ability to follow through on agreed objectives.
• Takes initiative in his/her own professional development by seeking out feedback and learning new skills; continuously learning and improving LPM-related expertise.
• Some familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma project/process principles.
• Outstanding client-service skills, responsiveness, and ability to anticipate both client and stakeholder needs. This service philosophy must extend to everyone the candidate interacts with.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to think on your feet and to think critically and ask appropriate questions to define project scope and manage projects effectively.
• Technological aptitude and proven ability to learn new technology tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and to exercise discretion.
• Ability to prioritize, juggle multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Must be a proactive and innovative problem-solver and exhibit a high sense of urgency.
• Must be team-oriented, collaborative, and engaged/interested.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Excel in particular.
• Experience working with database tools and financial reporting tools and concepts.
• Experience with PowerBI and/or Tableau a plus.
• Experience with SQL a plus.
• Experience with law firm accounting platforms particularly Elite Enterprise and 3E is preferred.
• Non-smoking environment
• Must be available to work beyond regular days and hours
• Must be able to work under tight deadlines & stressful situations

The anticipated salary for this position is $150,000 - $170,000. The actual base salary offered will be dependent upon the applicant’s experience and qualifications, as well as other job-related factors, including but not limited to, relevant skills, education, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, geographic location.

Steptoe offers a full range of benefits for you and your eligible dependents. Benefits currently include: medical, dental, vision, life, disability, dependent care, health care flexible spending accounts, 401K Plan, Profit-Sharing, Paid Time-Off and a robust Wellness Program.

Steptoe LLP is an equal opportunity employer EOE/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any basis proscribed by applicable statutes.