Legal Project Manager (Dispute Resolution)

We're looking for a Legal Project Manager with an understanding of the delivery of litigation matters to own how we deliver complex client matters in our Dispute Resolution ("DR") practice group. As a fee-earning legal project manager, you'll work mainly within the DR groups but also across our other international practice groups – Corporate and Commercial, Financial Markets, Employment and Solutions.

You'll champion the effective scoping, planning, monitoring and controlling of high value and complex matters within DR, ensuring that matters are delivered on time and within budget. You'll report to the Head of Legal Project Management.

What will you do:

This is primarily a fee earning role followed closely by coaching fee earners in the use of project management.

• Apply Project Management best practice to the most complex matters;
• Set matters up for success from initial scoping, planning, delivery and mobilisation to lessons learnt;
• Assure our clients and lead matter partner that we are delivering to the agreed scope, on time and on budget;
• Co-ordinate project management activity across matters
• Create fee estimates and management of budget ensuring adherence to financial constraints.
• Communicate with clients and key stakeholders in real time and accurately;
• Manage risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies;
• Identify opportunities and challenges from an early stage;
• Demonstrate value and financial savings in effective matter delivery;
• Work with fee earners to deliver complex legal mattes using project management best practice;
• Collaborate with the Head of Legal Project Management to maintain a high reputation for delivery across the firm;
• Build a credible relationship with Partners and Associates in DR on the use of Legal Project Management;
• Coach fee earners in applying Project Management principles on their matters;
• Collaborate with our Marketing & Business Development team to identify opportunities; and
• Assist fee earners and partner with client pitches on how firm will efficiently oversee the project to ensure it is delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will have a direct impact on the firm's approach to improving firm wide service quality and efficiency and as such the role will suit a candidate that has experience working in a law firm and understands law firm financials.

• Consulting, coaching and advisory skills.
• Excellent client facing skills – someone who can build great relationships.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Competent with all Microsoft office software.
• An interest an aptitude for new and developing technology.
• Good analytical skills and can produce engaging, concise, and timely management information.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• The ability to empathise with fee earners while providing clear project management advice.
• Able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
• Ability to influence and strong personal presence.
• Ability to deal with uncertainty.
• Experience of project management of client-facing, complex matters in a professional services firm or leading international firm or in-house legal function.
• Strong knowledge of DR processes (litigation, arbitration, mediation, etc).
• Ability to identify areas for improvement in legal processes and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 4. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone's voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You'll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

If you're interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.