Legal Project Manager

Summary:

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

The Legal Project Manager will support the delivery of high-value and complex legal matters by working closely with partners, associates, clients, and business services teams to improve matter planning, financial management, resource coordination, reporting, and overall client service. The role will support London-led and cross-border matters, helping matter teams manage timelines, budgets, scope, risks, and stakeholder expectations while driving operational efficiency and consistent legal project management practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Client Communication: Support partners and matter teams in client-facing matter management, including preparing and coordinating status updates, budget reports, timelines, action trackers, and portfolio-level insights where applicable.
• AI-Enabled Delivery: Apply the firm's approved AI and generative AI tools to matter management workflows – including document review support, budget and reporting automation, matter summarization, and data extraction – to improve speed and consistency of delivery.
• Technology Adoption: Support legal teams in the practical use of matter management and AI-enabled tools, including onboarding, workflow design, and identifying where these tools do and do not add value on a given matter.
• Matter Planning & Execution: Develop and implement detailed matter plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables, to ensure successful matter execution.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including legal teams, clients, and third-party vendors, to ensure seamless matter progress and effective communication.
• Resource Coordination: Manage resources, balancing workloads and availability, to optimize matter delivery without compromising quality or timelines.
• Risk Management: Identify and assess potential risks and proactively develop mitigation strategies to address matter challenges.
• Data & Financial Analysis: Track, analyze, and report matter budgets, costs, and resource utilization to maintain financial oversight.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare regular matter updates, performance metrics, and post-matter analyses to share insights and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Process Optimization: Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and implement best practices in matter management.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with various internal departments such as Finance, Business Development, Technology, and others to ensure effective coordination and alignment on matter requirements, resources, and objectives.

Qualifications:

• AI & Technology: Familiarity with AI tools and legal technology, with the ability to apply firm-approved tools responsibly to improve matter planning, reporting, data analysis, workflow efficiency, and client service.
• Resilience: Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Strong interpersonal skills with experience managing relationships and expectations with various stakeholders, including the ability to influence high-value stakeholders.
• Excel Proficiency: Advanced Excel skills with a proven ability to analyze data, create financial models, and produce insightful reports.
• Project Management Skills: Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Asana) is a plus.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years in matter management within a law firm, with a strong understanding of legal processes, fee structures, and client service expectations.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.