About the Job:
Legal Project Manager
At our Hartford Connecticut Law firm, we are seeking a proactive and experienced Legal Project Manager to join our team. In this role, you will work closely with our cross-functional teams to deliver superior legal services across various practice areas. Your primary responsibility will involve developing and implementing standardized project management practices to efficiently manage legal matters from start to finish, ensuring high-quality outputs and client satisfaction. This role requires a dynamic individual who can integrate innovative project management tools and techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within our firm.
Compensation: Depending on Experience
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with client teams to support and manage legal engagements throughout the entire matter lifecycle, improving service delivery through strategic use of personnel, processes, and technology.
- Act as a subject matter expert in project planning, fee estimation, budget preparation, and scope management, and provide critical reporting and compliance with outside counsel guidelines.
- Provide on-demand consultancy to client teams, focusing on enhancing service quality, delivery, and efficiency.
- Ensure firm compliance with client-specific outside counsel guidelines particularly concerning staffing, reporting, and billing procedures.
- Promote and facilitate the use of project management tools and knowledge management resources, such as Clocktimizer and HighQ, driving their adoption and integration into the firm’s practices.
- Develop and refine project management methodologies, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance tools and practices.
- Offer guidance and training in project management and process improvement to various teams within the firm.
- Champion continuous improvement by fostering strong team dynamics, embracing constructive feedback, and committing to personal accountability and innovation.
Minimum Position Qualifications:
- At least 3 years of significant practice or project management experience in a professional services, consulting, or corporate legal department setting.
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field or similar substantial experience.
- Demonstrated ability to implement practical, innovative solutions leading to measurable improvements in client satisfaction, financial outcomes, and compliance.
- Proficient in using formal project management and process improvement methodologies and tools.
- Familiarity with a variety of project management technologies, including document management systems, collaboration portals such as SharePoint, Smartsheet, and Microsoft Project.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills capable of liaising with diverse team members and external parties.
- Advanced analytical skills with a keen ability to determine impactful metrics and insights.
- Flexibility to work additional hours as needed, including weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degrees or certifications such as a Paralegal Certificate, MBA, or JD highly desirable.
- Proven track record of working directly with high-profile teams and clients within the legal sector on large-scale matters.
- Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with project management software tools and change management methodologies like Prosci.
- A formal qualification in project management or process improvement, such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
- A comprehensive understanding of industry-wide project management trends and the evolving landscape of legal services.
Skills:
- Strong organizational and leadership skills.
- Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Proficient in technology adoption and implementation in legal settings.
- Capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a focus on results.