Peer to Peer Magazine

LEGAL PROJECT MANAGERS GAIN A STRONG FOOTHOLD measurement of LPM's contribution is from client feedback. Given LPM's potential in strengthening the client relationship and improving overall client satisfaction, feedback received either as part of a regular client relationship review process or feedback specific to the matter is invaluable. For many, this is the true test of LPM's contribution to the firm. DELIVERING A MESSAGE TO CLIENTS Law firms at the forefront of LPM send a very powerful and differentiating message to their current and potential client base: We are focused on providing you the most efficient, highest-quality service to deliver as much value to you as possible. What client is not going to be attracted to this? Some firms have taken this even further by proactively marketing their legal project management expertise to clients and client training legal teams in LPM approaches and techniques. This is very distinct from the impressive marketing messages firms include on their public websites. GAZING INTO THE CRYSTAL BALL Looking to the future, as clients continue to embrace new legal service delivery models, law firms will require a larger pool of serviceorientated professionals. These individuals will be tasked with focusing on improving matter delivery processes and operational management to help support the increasing demands law departments will face. Legal project managers will be required to have a range of skills including project management expertise, commercial and analytical prowess, as well as change management skills. They might also need training and facilitation skills and a strong awareness of — if not deep skills in — evolving technologies (with advances in technology and associated transparency of matter management have the potential to change the traditional law firm-client dynamic). It is true the legal profession has been slow to recognize (so far) the value of LPM approaches to the law firm's bottom line and overall client satisfaction, but these approaches are now gaining traction and are here to stay. GET YOUR LPM RESUME READY I was contacted recently by a lawyer with 35+ years of experience who was looking for his next challenge. Having been a successful partner in a couple of firms, he understood the potential of legal project management and had a keen desire to improve how legal services are delivered. He wanted to identify the appropriate skills, software expertise and other qualifications needed to be successful in LPM. It doesn't stop there. At a recent conference on legal project management (a conference concept unthinkable even three years ago), I was struck by the number of law firms seeking to determine how best to implement and sustain LPM initiatives and understand the associated impact on recruitment and retention. Firms expressing interest in LPM came from a wide spectrum of sizes, areas of expertise and locations. The demand for legal project management services is surpassing supply — a trend likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Firms yet to acknowledge LPM will find it increasingly difficult to compete in the evolving market of heightened client expectations and commercial pressure. For firms embracing LPM, the challenge is different: finding suitably skilled individuals within the market. Law firm professionals with the right combination of skills, whether lawyers or not, will find limitless opportunities. It might be time to review and update your resume! Peer to Peer 79

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