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I L T A W H I T E P A P E R | P R O J E C T M A N A G E M E N T 22 Problem Solving Skills: LPMs must be able to successfully identify, analyze and solve problems that occur during the project. Business Domain Knowledge: To effectively work with business parties, a successful LPM understands the overall context of the project and oversees the impact of the project on the organization. Any candidate well versed in resource management, the firms change management procedures, project planning, and any number of the other skills listed here will be of benefit to an organization's LPM initiative. Quantifying these benefits are not difficult; obviously an LPM with technical and problem solving skills, business knowledge, and experience communicating with stakeholders will lend themselves towards smoother projects, meeting budget and timeline goals, healthier initiatives, and strong relationships between LPM and the firm. ILTA 6 7 Project management awareness and promotion A Legal Project Manager will: • Plan projects • Monitor project progress compared to the project plan • Manage project progress • Report project progress to all key stakeholders • Confirm project completion • Review project outcomes Managing stakeholder expectations Managing expectations can be the most difficult task in any project. Even a seasoned professional can make mistakes like making assumptions, not discussing "understood" items, and not communicating frequently, timely, and in the best method. Establish a communication schedule early after obtaining feedback from stakeholders. Each group is different - some prefer emails, weekly meetings, or a simple updated gantt chart. Top skills for an effective LPM When looking to improve the skills of yourself, employees, or looking for a new hire there are additional core competencies to keep in mind. Commercial Awareness: Legal project managers may play a significant commercial role ensuring matter/lawyer profitability. Technical Skills: Fundamental prerequisite for LPMs include knowledge on IT development methodologies, processes and techniques. Familiarity with legal workflow systems, legal practice management systems, and contract management systems. Adaptability, aptitude, and a willingness to learn. Strategic Thinking: LPMs play a leading role in developing a firm's legal project maturity and service delivery capability, and they must be formidable at setting realistic goals, persistently working to achieve those goals, and thinking strategically. 1 2 3 4 5 T H E L E G A L P R O J E C T M A N A G E M E N T , C H A R A C T E R I S T I C S O F T H E R I G H T C A N D I D A T E April Heimerl Senior Business Solutions Architect Fish & Richardson P.C. Brittany Ivy Business Process Analyst Supervisor Wilson Law Firm Anne Christman Certified Paralegal Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.

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