Legal Project Manager

Posting Date: 30-Oct-2026Requisition ID: 3174States/Provinces/Cities: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Juarez, Mexico City, Miami, São Paulo, Toronto, WashingtonLocation Type: HybridBusiness Unit: Professional ServicesFunction: Professional ServicesFull Time or Part Time: Full TimeContact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io: PurposeWork alone or supporting Senior LPMs to secure, design and lead on the process control of projects. Delegate and manage work of the Legal Project Coordinators. Ensure successful delivery of tasks within both client- and internally-facing projects bringing solutions using established and new tools and processes.Main responsibilitiesManage multiple projects with competing deadlinesScope and manage specific client-facing projectsManage own case load and that of more junior legal project management resources on projectsLiaise with the client and the Firm's client project team, as well as the Firm's specialist departments and offices worldwide, along with external stakeholdersUse (and assist others in using) pricing tools and analyse the outputs, bringing in the Pricing Strategy Team as required.Support the Principal/Lead Associate in defining matter scope, track and manage changesCapture explicit and implicit client requirements/ preferences and design the project approach accordinglyIdentify, quantify, record and manage risks/issues in projects including mitigation strategiesPrepare, manage and report on suitably-detailed project plans to internal and client matter teamsSupport whole-project budgeting, monitor and report on costs and fees on an ongoing basis both internally and externallyPrepare internal and client status reports and provide timely updates to team leaders on potential risks/issues identifiedSupport the matter review process for key matters and identify areas of improvement in practice area processes through discussions with fee earnersBe creative, solve problems and improve on standard delivery solutions on a given projectIdentify future needs / opportunities for new service delivery and lead on analysis and design workshopsWork with the Global LPM Leadership Team to define, enhance and integrate a single set of project management standards, processes, methodologies and tools to improve the efficiency of LPMRoll out improvements and solutions through individual attorney coaching and training sessionsWork with internal stakeholders to secure and define LPM role on projects; move matter work into or out of LPM team where appropriateAssign priorities across large task lists, identify and communicate dependencies, and capture items in project timelinesDisaggregate routine tasks and reassign by leveraging Alternative Legal Services and other non-traditional resourcing models on projectsClarify and communicate roles and responsibilities of the project team and all internal/external stakeholdersActively contribute to the Firm’s Innovation and LegalTech strategy and localize and leverage these on projects, finding ways to encourage team uptakeBecome a subject matter expert on given tech and standardized processes: evangelize, advise, train, apply to projects and support refinementLead portions of LPM training for internal audiencesDesign end-to-end, matter specific portals for small to medium projectsIntegrate with allocated practice areas/ service lines; become comfortable with legal concepts / terminology / principlesStrengthen network of professional colleagues across the range of PBS (including Knowledge Management, Business Development, Finance, and IT), and legal teams, carving out a role for LPM on new projectsBuild strong client relationships both with client in-house lawyers and Legal Ops professionals; contribute to business development opportunities by leveraging this client knowledgeOffering PM expertise to non-LPM initiatives Travel requirementsThis role requires some regional and some global travel driven by client requirements and other internal and external events related to the Professional Business Services function.Team PurposeActively support the project management of strategic matters and portfolios of matters to improve quality, profitability, speed, tractability, and transparency with an emphasis on repeatability, scalability, and pace. Drive through the same benefits to matters that are not actively staffed with LPMs, assisting with infusing project management discipline through consultations, trainings, templates, workflows, checklists, and automation. Remain agile in bringing appropriate focus on localisation, technology and process improvement. The core teams within Services are:Business ManagementLegal OperationsPricing StrategyLegal Project ManagementGlobal eDiscovery and Data AdvisoryService DesignAlternative Legal ServicesYou will report to: Associate Director, LPM AmericasKey relationshipsAssociate Director, LPM AmericasAssociate Director, LPM for other regions / Service DeliveryTeams within the Services function such as Business Management, Pricing, Global eDiscovery, Alternative Legal Services and Service DesignAbout the candidateTechnical skills, qualifications and experience:Bachelor's Degree (law or business degree preferred)Formal project management qualification of Prince 2 Practitioner or equivalent (required) and LSS Green Belt (desirable)Formal project management qualification of Prince 2 Agile, Management of Portfolios (MoP) or PMP (desirable)At least 4 years of experience in project management rolesAbility to manage multiple projects at a timeUnderstanding of/ experience working in large complex organizations, ideally in a law firm or professional services firmKnowledge/ experience of relevant IT packages: e.g. Document Management Systems, Project Extranets (e.g. SharePoint) or other collaborative project management tools, Other LegalTech knowledge desirableAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Visio, Excel, and of financial systems and reportsExperience of influencing or coaching within a professional services environment desirableOutstanding communication and relationship building skillsDemonstrated ability and desire to work collaboratively with senior-level professionals to help them succeed in meeting their business development objectivesAbility to work independently and willingness to work hands-on to achieve objectives in a relatively “flat” organizational structureAbility to analyse matter-level performance including profitabilityAdvanced knowledge and experience of data manipulation tools (e.g. Excel) and experience with visualisation tools (e.g. Tableau)Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in compiling executive summaries and status reports for consumption by attorneys and clientsAbility to identify and secure future internal project management opportunities (including process improvement analysis or follow-on client work)Ability to cover a wide subject-matter range and difficulty level of tasks from thinking strategically to troubleshooting detailAbility to understand the impact of matter finance decisions on profitability in order to understand and independently calculate key financial metricsDemonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirementsStrong competency in continuous improvement, change management, flexible approach and exceeding expectations.Personal qualitiesThese personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and locationKnow howKeeps across key developments in all relevant areas and demonstrates the ability to develop substantive authority in relation to the Firm's specialist fieldsDemonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distils a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent mannerAble to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesisSuggests non-standard alternative ideas and approaches that demonstrate some lateral thought and "thinking outside the box"Dedication Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standardsPrepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative and is self-reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possibleHardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demandsDemonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situationsRevels in latitude, seizes and runs with opportunities even where this requires operating at a level ahead of commensurate experience and knowledge, viewing these occasions positivelyPersonal ImpactCreates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocityNegotiates to achieve outcomes that are mutually satisfactory; shows good judgement on when to stand strong and when to compromiseInvests in, nurtures and builds a network of productive relationshipsProactively engages in team activities to help advance the team as a wholeHumanity Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparentHas care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as peopleTreats delicate or confidential issues with grace and discretion. Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders.Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify View email address on click.appcast.io Pay Transparency This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked. The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $136,000 to $187,000 (annually) if located in an office in the state of Illinois and $143,000 to $197,000 (annually) if located in an office in the state of Washington DC. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. The base compensation for Toronto is expected to be $117,000 to 143,000 annually (CAD)California notice: Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates.