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25
PMO Best Practices
B Y A P R I L H E I M E R L , H O L LY H A N N A , B R I T TA N Y I V Y, A N D A N N E C H R I S T M A N
P
MO groups implement and manage a
firm's administrative and practice group
applications, and corresponding projects,
through the legal management life cycle - from
intake to maintenance.
For any organization contemplating the
benefits of establishing a Project Management
Organization (PMO), there are key considerations
to be aware of before moving forward. Many
PMOs are implemented with high expectations,
but disappoint when unable to meet their
anticipated goals. An effective PMO group will
have sponsorship and support from C-level and
director level positions, and will be staffed with
full time project managers, business analysts, and
developers.
Key Decision Points for Establishing
a PMO
Standalone Group vs. Part of IT
PMO groups manage budgets from many different
departments, not just Technolo. For some firms,
the logical choice is to separate out the PMO as
it will allow decisions to be made with an eye
towards the impact for the firm overall. For others,
the advantage of seeing all budgeted projects,
most of which involve some level of technolo
integration, is a key reason to implement a PMO.
Regardless of which option is chosen, buy in has to
be obtained from chiefs and practice leads.
