Project Management Attorney

Wilson Elser; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

401(k) match

Generous PTO plan

Access to corporate discount plans

Corporate discounts

Job summary

A law firm in Chicago is looking for a Project Management Attorney to manage litigation projects and collaborate with partners and clients. Candidates should possess a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and have over 5 years of litigation experience. The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage projects effectively, with an emphasis on client service. This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement and an outstanding benefits package, including career growth opportunities and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of law firm or in-house experience in litigation.
• 2+ years in legal project management required.
• Ability to manage and direct the work of others.
• Experience with transportation and logistics, general liability, and commercial litigation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with partners and clients to manage litigation projects.
• Develop and execute initiatives for client service.
• Advise on best practices for service delivery and project management.
• Interface with clients on litigation readiness, response, and matter management, including monitoring and service delivery improvements.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of project management and legal process innovation tools.
• Review and optimize staffing arrangements in collaboration with partners and practice management.
• Supervise legal staff dedicated to diverse client services tasks within the litigation portfolio.
• Liaise with trial and local counsel on litigated matters and ensure appropriate effort on tasks.

Skills

Client service expertise

Advanced communication skills

Project management proficiency

Team collaboration

Communication

Collaboration

Education

JD from an ABA accredited law school

Job description

Wilson Elser is a leading defense litigation law firm with more than 1,250 attorneys in 44 offices throughout the United States. Founded in 1978, we rank among the top 200 law firms identified by The American Lawyer and 43rd in the National Law Journal’s survey of the nation’s largest law firms. We’re also Mansfield Certified Plus and a Women in the Law Forum Gold Standard Law Firm.

Our firm is committed to attracting and retaining professionals who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long‑term fit where you can grow in a role, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Project Management Attorney position in our Chicago Office.

This position offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement.

The Position

Wilson Elser is committed to attracting and retaining attorneys who value each other and the service we provide by embracing Teamwork, Collaboration, Client Service, and Innovation. If you are a motivated professional looking for a long‑term fit where you can grow as an attorney, and will be valued and empowered, then we invite you to apply to our Project Management Attorney position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with partners, matter teams, and clients to scope and manage projects across various litigation practices.
• Work with national client services teams to develop and execute initiatives for client service and relationship development.
• Advise on best practices for client account management, service delivery, and project scope management.
• Interface with clients on litigation readiness, response, and matter management, including monitoring and service delivery improvements.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of project management and legal process innovation tools.
• Review and optimize staffing arrangements in collaboration with partners and practice management.
• Supervise legal staff dedicated to diverse client services tasks within the litigation portfolio.
• Liaise with trial and local counsel on litigated matters. Facilitate communication within matter teams to ensure the appropriate effort is expended on tasks.
• Help ensure adherence with client outside counsel guidelines.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA accredited law school.
• 5+ years of law firm, in‑house, or legal tech and experience with litigation required.
• 2+ years in legal project management required.
• 2+ years managing and directing the work of others required.
• Experience with transportation and logistics, general liability, and commercial litigation a plus.

Ability to achieve optimum legal outcomes in a timely manner by focusing on key objectives, seeking efficient legal solutions, prioritizing multiple matters and issues, and avoiding unnecessary disputes.

• Ability to adapt to changing work situations, grasp and apply new ideas, and be able to communicate with various personalities at all levels of management and staff in solving problems quickly and effectively.
• Deep understanding of attorney (or equivalent professional services) work product and diverse work styles.
• Willingness and ability to develop deep understanding of practice areas and the clients and industries we support.

Communication

• Strong focus on client service and responsiveness; ability to work in a consultative manner.
• Advanced communication and writing skills in order to convey and explain various project scenarios, to report progress on process improvement, and to make recommendations to better manage the engagement.
• Ability to cultivate and foster relationships and serve as a trusted advisor at all levels of the organization; demonstrated commitment to working collaboratively as part of a team and ability to lead, influence and motivate others.
• Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work seamlessly with client representatives, colleagues, and as part of a team.
• Ability to handle multiple projects, organize and prioritize issues and workload, and a proven ability to manage time and resources in order to meet deadlines.

Why Should You Apply?

• Flexibility: Remote and hybrid work arrangements to support work‑life blend
• Benefits: Outstanding benefits package, including 401(k) match and generous PTO plan
• Career Growth: Ample opportunities for professional development and advancement
• Employee Perks: Access to corporate discount plans and other benefits

Wilson Elser welcomes submissions of candidates for our open positions exclusively from recruitment agencies with an active, signed fee agreement who have been granted access to a position through our dedicated Recruitment Agency Portal. We are unable to consider submissions from recruitment agencies without a current (dated as of 7/1/2024) agreement in place. We appreciate your understanding. For collaboration inquiries or to establish an agreement, please contact us at [e-mail].

We believe in creating a work environment free of barriers and bias, where individual outlooks and talents are respected and valued. Our firm's policy is to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, disability, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by the law.