Legal Project Manager

About the Role:

We are seeking a dedicated Legal Project Manager to join the Legal Project Management team at Simmons & Simmons. This exciting opportunity involves supporting fee earners in the efficient delivery of legal matters, leveraging project management best practices. You will also contribute to enhancing the firm's reputation in legal project management and overall performance, working closely with the Head of Legal Project Management. This role is central to how we manage complex client matters within the Corporate and Commercial practice group, spanning Corporate, Energy Natural Resources & Infrastructure, and Digital Business sub-groups, functioning as a fee-earning Legal Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities of a Legal Project Manager:

• Apply project management best practices to complex legal matters.
• Ensure successful matter setup, from initial scoping and planning through delivery, mobilisation, and lessons learned.
• Guarantee quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery for clients and lead matter partners.
• Coordinate project management activities across various matters.
• Control and monitor matters effectively.
• Communicate accurately and in real-time with clients and key stakeholders.
• Proactively manage risks, assumptions, issues, and dependencies.
• Identify opportunities and challenges at an early stage.
• Demonstrate value and financial savings through effective matter delivery.
• Collaborate with fee earners to deliver complex legal matters using best practices.
• Work with the Head of Legal Project Management to maintain high delivery reputation.
• Build credible relationships with Partners and associates across the Corporate and Commercial team.
• Coach fee earners in applying project management principles.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Business Development to identify opportunities.

What We Are Looking For:

• Project management professional accreditation (or actively working towards one).
• Proven consulting, coaching, and advisory skills.
• Excellent client-facing skills and ability to build strong relationships.
• Strong facilitation and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office software.
• Interest and aptitude for new and developing technology.
• Good analytical skills, capable of producing engaging, concise, and timely management information.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• Ability to empathise with fee earners while providing clear project management advice.
• Capability to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.
• Strong influencing skills and personal presence.
• Ability to navigate and manage uncertainty.
• Experience in project management of client-facing, complex matters within a professional services firm, leading international firm, or in-house legal function.

Career Level & Firm Culture:

This role is assigned a Career Level 4 within Simmons & Simmons' business services framework, which ranges from Level 1 to 7 and defines responsibilities, skills, and competencies. Simmons & Simmons prides itself on a collaborative, open, and non-hierarchical culture that prioritizes respect, dignity, and employee wellbeing. We foster an environment where diverse minds work together on impactful projects, valuing every voice and encouraging inquisitive thinking to drive the firm forward. Employees benefit from innovative learning and development, providing a platform to excel and achieve career ambitions.

Key Firm Information:

• Competitive package including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contributions.
• Global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities (workshops, podcasts, videos).
• Hybrid working approach, requiring a minimum of three days in the office, with flexibility based on role/team/client demands.
• Recognized as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, Stonewall Top Global Employer, and Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Active social and sports committees, regular firm-wide gatherings, and diverse employee networks.
• UK offices feature impressive artwork collections, including pieces by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin in London.
• Recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council for proposing strategic initiatives.
• In-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the 'Innovation in Automation and AI Tools' award at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards.
• Commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 for construction, employment, and intellectual property.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

Simmons & Simmons is deeply committed to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities and a vibrant work environment. This commitment covers all protected characteristics and includes addressing discrimination and harassment, offering flexible working arrangements, and providing reasonable adjustments during recruitment. The firm supports various employee networks to celebrate differences and encourages all interested candidates to apply, even if they don't meet every single requirement, valuing passion, eagerness to learn, and unique perspectives.

Application Process:

Simmons & Simmons reserves the right to close this vacancy early. Interested candidates should submit their application promptly. For more information, contact the Recruitment Team. To apply, use the link provided or visit the career page.

Key skills/competency:

• Legal Project Management
• Client Relationship Management
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Communication
• Process Improvement
• Analytical Skills
• Coaching & Mentoring
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Financial Acumen
• Technology Adaptation