About the job
Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Legal Project Manager within our Financial Operations team. This role can be based in Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Denver, Austin, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Los Angeles or San Diego.
The Opportunity
The Legal Project Manager “LPM” supports clients and partners in effectively managing the delivery of legal services through the lifecycle of a matter. Using proven project management knowledge, technical knowledge, and experience, the LPM will plan, lead and coordinate deliverables through written communications (plans, schedules and budgets), team meetings and regular communications with the lead partner and clients about the progress of the case.
- Partner with firm’s Pricing team to develop detailed budgets and matter work plans by compiling, reviewing and documenting historical data and other key data points for client budgets.
- Leverage sample budget tools and prepare projections of attorney hours, operations costs, eDiscovery costs and other types of costs from inception to resolution required to achieve project goals.
- Coordinate the implementation and utilization of task codes for purpose of tracking work. Must be able to track and analyze actual engagement time and costs against budget, and help billing partners to address expected budget variance.
- Compare matter progress to budget and convey status to firm attorneys and clients.
- Plan and track timelines, milestones and dependencies.
- Outline dates and deadlines for all deliverables and ensure timely delivery of those deliverables.
- Work closely with staffing manager to secure attorneys to support budget projections.
- Consult on the use of alternative staffing approaches and automation where needed.
- Account for all stakeholders and design workflows for keeping stakeholders apprised of project progress as needed according to their role in the project.
- Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential risks and devise contingency plans as appropriate.
- Continuously identify improvements to the LPM processes and support the change management of implementing these LPM processes.
- Help identify and evaluate risks within each engagement and communicate appropriately to the partner.
- Conduct training on project management, process improvement, profitability and value services both at the firm and client level.
Ideal Candidate
- Bachelor’s degree required, JD or MBA degree a plus. 3- 5 years law firm litigation experience preferred. Knowledge of finance and accounting principles normally obtained with a Bachelor’s degree.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with SharePoint or similar technology.
- Project management certification or training preferred.
- Familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma project/process principles preferred.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams.
- High client service ethic and a proven record in delivering exemplary client satisfaction to external and internal client constituencies.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with individuals at all levels within and outside the firm, including delivering difficult messages and challenging current assumptions.
- Excellent writing skills; ability to present complex ideas succinctly and clearly in writing and in presentations.
- Experience in leading complex projects and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Displays strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including in the area of budgeting and financial analysis.
- Ability to understand and articulate the business case behind matter management decisions.
Who We Are
At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it. We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect — for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger. We encourage you to learn more about who we are, and what we do.
Should you find you’re ready to do the best work of your life, we encourage you to let us know!
Where required by law, salary ranges are stated below. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health/welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO. The range displayed is specifically for positions performed in those cities/states and may vary based on factors including but not limited to the following: local market data and ranges; an applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience; and certain degrees, licensing, and certifications.
New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto salary range: $132k to $198k
Los Angeles, San Diego salary range: $122k to $184k
Denver salary range: $116k to $173k
More information and how to apply here
Add a Comment