SummaryThe Client Accounts Project Manager - CT, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm's strategic initiatives, plays a critical role in optimizing the delivery of processing revenue for legal services by managing complex legal matters, improving financial performance, and ensuring alignment with client expectations. This role bridges legal expertise and legal revenue management with project management discipline to drive efficiency, profitability, and compliance across legal engagements.
Location This position is located in our Chicago office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
Responsibilities- Project Planning & Execution
- Develop and implement project plans for legal matters, including scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Coordinate with attorneys, billing managers, and client teams to ensure smooth execution across jurisdictions.
- Financial Oversight
- Monitor matter-level profitability, realization, and budget adherence.
- Provide financial analysis and reporting using tools like Betterment's dashboard, AssessLex, or the Dell MyFinancials Dashboard.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as liaison between legal teams and clients to manage expectations and deliverables.
- Monitors and Communicates client-specific timekeeping guidelines to attorneys working on the client.
- Facilitate timekeeper onboarding, billing coordination, and compliance with Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCGs).
- Process Optimization
- Standardize workflows and identify potential improvements to legacy systems to support scalable service delivery.
- Lead initiatives to automate rate loading, billing instructions, and escalation workflows.
- Training & Enablement
- Conduct training sessions on financial acumen, matter management, and firm economics.
- Mentor junior staff and support cross-functional collaboration.
Desired Skills Strong understanding of legal billing, AFAs, and client service delivery models. Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Asana, Trello). Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills. Experience managing global retainers and multi-jurisdictional matters. Familiarity with legal financial systems (e.g., Aderant, IntApp). Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and drive consensus. Strategic mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation. Advanced Microsoft Office Suite. Analysis and reconciliation between cross-jurisdictional billing and financial systems.
Performance metrics include matter profitability and realization rates; client satisfaction and retention; timeliness and accuracy of billing and reporting; and adoption of standardized processes and tools.
Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree in Law, Business Administration or related field.
Certificates- LPM, LPP, LPA, or equivalent project management certification preferred. PMP certificate with legal experience also desirable.
Minimum Years of Experience - 5 years' experience in legal operations or project management.
Essential Job ExpectationsWhile the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
- Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
- Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
- Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
- Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
- Foster positive work relationships.
- Comply with all firm policies and practices.
- Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
- Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
Physical DemandsSedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Work Environment The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm's discretion in the future.
Disclaimer The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.
Application Process Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.
Agency applications will not be considered.
No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $110,866 - $146,900 per year depending on the candidate's geographic market location.
The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate's experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntary and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm's direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.
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