Legal Project Manager

The ideal candidate will be responsible for coordinating and managing project deliverables across multiple legal teams, ensuring that project timelines are met, and outputs are delivered to a high standard. This role requires someone with a deep understanding of legal processes, combined with the ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects efficiently. The Legal Project Manager will work closely with legal practitioners, clients, and support teams to drive successful project completion.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Coordination: Manage and coordinate legal projects across various practice areas, ensuring clear communication between teams and adherence to project timelines and deliverables.

Stakeholder Management: Act as the key point of contact for clients and internal teams, facilitating smooth interactions and addressing any concerns or queries.

Planning & Execution: Develop detailed project plans, including resource allocation, risk management, and contingency planning, to ensure that legal projects are delivered on time and within scope.

Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to streamline legal workflows and project management processes, promoting efficiency within the firm.

Reporting & Documentation: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including status reports, budgets, and post-project reviews. Present updates to leadership and clients as required.

Budget Management: Monitor project budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and any financial risks are identified and mitigated early.

Compliance: Ensure that all projects comply with regulatory and legal standards in South Africa, while keeping up to date with industry developments.

Team Collaboration: Work with lawyers, paralegals, and administrative teams to ensure project milestones are met. Provide guidance and support to junior team members.

Client Relations: Build and maintain strong client relationships by ensuring high-quality service and timely project delivery.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Legal Background: A law degree (LLB or equivalent) is required, with a strong understanding of legal terminology and processes. Admission as an attorney is advantageous.

Project Management Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of experience in legal project management or a similar role within a law firm or corporate legal department.

Project Management Certification: PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent certification is desirable.

Strong Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Leadership & Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and implement improvements to ensure project success.

Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with legal project management tools, document management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).