Legal Project Manager

Company: Michael James Associates
Apply for the Legal Project Manager
Location: Birmingham
Job Description:

Job Title: Legal Project Manager – Strategic Delivery

Location: Manchester / Leeds / Edinburgh / Birmingham (Hybrid Working)

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Firm

We are partnering with a top-tier international law firm with a market-leading reputation for advising major corporates, financial institutions, public sector bodies and high-growth businesses on complex, high-value matters.

As part of continued investment in legal operations, client delivery and strategic transformation, the firm is seeking to appoint a Legal Project Manager – Strategic Delivery to support the execution of key client mandates and firmwide strategic initiatives.

This is a high-profile opportunity for an ambitious Legal Project Manager who wants to operate at the centre of strategy, delivery excellence and innovation within a modern, forward-thinking law firm.

The Opportunity

This role goes beyond traditional matter management. The successful candidate will work closely with Partners, Heads of Practice, senior stakeholders and business services leaders to drive the successful delivery of strategic legal matters, cross-functional programmes and client-facing transformation initiatives.

You will be responsible for translating strategic objectives into clear delivery plans, improving how legal work is scoped and executed, enhancing profitability, and embedding best-in-class project management disciplines across complex engagements.

The position can be based in Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh or Birmingham, with hybrid working available.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Programme & Matter Delivery

  • Lead project management activity across complex legal matters, panel appointments and strategic client programmes.
  • Convert high-level objectives into structured project plans, milestones, governance and deliverables.
  • Drive delivery excellence across timelines, budgets, resourcing and risk management.
  • Ensure matters are delivered efficiently while maintaining exceptional client service standards.

Stakeholder Management

  • Partner with senior lawyers, Partners and business leaders to shape delivery strategy.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to fee earners on project planning, scoping and execution.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including Finance, BD, Risk, Technology and Knowledge.
  • Provide clear reporting and updates to senior stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Innovation

  • Identify opportunities to improve delivery models, workflows and matter profitability.
  • Introduce project management best practice, automation opportunities and smarter ways of working.
  • Support the rollout of legal operations and transformation initiatives across the firm.
  • Drive continuous improvement culture across legal teams.

Commercial & Client Focus

  • Support pricing, budgeting and resource planning on strategic matters.
  • Monitor financial performance, scope changes and delivery risks.
  • Enhance the client experience through structured communication and proactive delivery management.
  • Contribute to panel pitches and strategic client retention initiatives where required.

Skills & Experience Required

  • Proven experience as a Legal Project Manager, Programme Manager or PMO Lead within a law firm or professional services environment.
  • Strong understanding of legal matter lifecycle, client delivery and law firm economics.
  • Experience managing complex, high-value programmes or strategic client workstreams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with credibility at Partner and leadership level.
  • Commercially minded with experience around budgets, profitability and resourcing.
  • Process improvement mindset (Lean / Six Sigma / Agile beneficial).
  • Strong communication, organisation and influencing capability.
  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-performing environments.

Why Join?

  • Join a top-tier law firm investing heavily in strategy, transformation and client delivery excellence.
  • High-visibility role with direct exposure to Partners and senior leadership.
  • Opportunity to shape how legal services are delivered in a modern firm.
  • Genuine career progression within a growing legal operations function.
  • Hybrid working and multiple UK office location options.

Location

This role can be based in:

  • Manchester
  • Leeds
  • Edinburgh
  • Birmingham

(with hybrid flexibility)

Apply

If you are a commercially minded Legal Project Manager looking for a strategic, high-impact opportunity within a top-tier law firm, we would be delighted to speak with you in confidence.

Posted: May 3rd, 2026