Legal Project Analyst

The role

THE OPPORTUNITY

The purpose of the role is to be a Legal Project Analyst (“LPA”) within the Legal Project Management (“LPM”) team. The LPM team is part of the Business and Service Delivery function at DLA Piper which includes project, process and tech experts that work with all global teams to deliver efficiency, tech solutions and process improvement to enhance our client offering and increase competitiveness.

The LPM team is client facing and acts as a key link between the wider Business and Service Delivery team, our lawyers and our clients. LPM is already well established and tested within the firm and supports teams across the various DLA International jurisdictions. The LPM team works alongside lead Partners and their legal teams to deliver legal project management activities and advise on best practice in relation to managing legal matters. 

The focus of the team is to implement significant change by driving better service delivery, implementing process improvement and innovation, increasing overall efficiency and providing excellent client service on the most complex matters. This is an exciting time to join the team as developing more efficient ways of working and broadening our international reach lies at the heart of the firm’s current strategy.

The LPA will report to a Legal Project Manager. You will work closely with Senior LPMs and the LPMs to provide support as they lead on project management activities and co-ordinate delivery of legal work in line with clients’ needs to an agreed timeline and budget. The role will be based in our London, Leeds, Manchester or Edinburgh office but the successful candidate may be expected to travel as and when required as part of their role.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support to (Senior) Legal Project Managers and the wider team in relation to the management all aspects of legal projects including, scoping, pricing, planning, fee monitoring and reporting, status reporting, tracking scope changes, liaising with specialist departments and other DLA Piper offices
• Taking ownership of and co-ordinating smaller discreet project management tasks in line with pre-agreed plans and objectives
• Reporting and analysis of financial data
• Working with Legal Project Management tools where appropriate to set up, track and report on the status of each project
• Develop strong working relationships with other departments and teams including Finance
• Help develop the international LPM team by contributing to knowledge repositories and supporting continuous improvement

ABOUT YOU

• Minimum of 1 year legal or administrative experience. We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in accountancy, financial services, HR, IT, learning training and development and management consultancy as well as legal
• Ability to cover a wide range and level of administrative tasks
• Strong MS Office skills, in particular Excel
• Technology savvy – ability to use other IT tools to support efficient working processes. Familiarity with legal technology is advantageous but not essential
• Strong written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Financially aware and numerate

Behavioural:

• Ability to grasp tasks quickly and work autonomously once instructed
• Proactive and positive “can do” attitude
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt to different audiences
• Analytical and strategic mind set
• Ability to quickly prioritise between competing demands
• Ability to Prioritise
• Team player who will work within and be part of a collegial and rapidly growing international team
• Ability to maintain patience under pressure
• Exposure to professional services culture would be advantageous but not essential

This job description is not designed to be exhaustive and can be varied, as required, to develop or fulfil the role of the Legal Project Analyst

ABOUT US
DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers and business service professionals located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

OUR VALUES
In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative – we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold – we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional – we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do. We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

HYBRID WORKING
We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

PRE-ENGAGEMENT SCREENING
In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits and where relevant, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and work-related references.