McDermott Will & Emery

Project Manager

McDermott Will & Emery$110K — $150K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of project or program management experience in enterprise technology initiatives
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Experience in law firms, consulting, or professional services organizations
  • Business analysis and/or technical writing experience
  • Certifications in PMP, Agile/Scrum, ITIL, or SAFe preferred
  • Familiarity with AI-related certifications
  • Strong understanding of project management methodologies including Agile and Waterfall.

Responsibilities

  • Lead high-visibility enterprise tech, digital, and AI programs from start to finish
  • Manage project scope, budget, timelines, and cross-team dependencies
  • Translate complex business objectives into actionable strategies and roadmaps
  • Establish governance frameworks and executive reporting for project oversight
  • Drive delivery across software development, systems integration, and AI implementations
  • Align stakeholders and resolve blockers in fast-paced environments
  • Maintain program documentation and ensure audit readiness throughout the project lifecycle.

Benefits

  • Competitive total rewards package with performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement
  • Supportive work environment fostering accountability and collaboration
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and innovative projects related to AI transformation.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Project Manager leads enterprise-wide initiatives that modernize the firm's technology ecosystem and support AI-driven transformation. This role manages high-visibility programs involving SaaS platforms, custom applications, enterprise infrastructure, data ecosystems, integrations, platform modernization, GenAI deployments and AI-enabled capabilities to support seamless business solutions and workflow enhancements. The Project Manager partners with technology, business, innovation, and executive stakeholders to develop actionable delivery plans, communicate risks and value, evaluate competing priorities, and drive alignment across cross-functional teams. This position operates with minimal oversight and relies on significant experience, strategic judgment, and decision-making skills to plan and accomplish objectives.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Program /Project & Delivery Leadership
  • Lead enterprise-scale tech, digital, and AI programs; own end-to-end delivery and governance
  • Manage scope, budget, timelines, risks, quality, and cross-team dependencies
  • Lead medium- to large-scale technical, digital transformation, and AI-enabled programs across the enterprise
  • Drive end-to-end delivery across software development, systems integration, infrastructure, and AI implementation workstreams
  • Translate complex business objectives into actionable strategies, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes
  • Establish governance frameworks, delivery standards, risk mitigation plans, and executive reporting structures
  • Manage project scope, budgets, timelines, dependencies, quality controls, and stakeholder alignment throughout the project lifecycle
  • Build and maintain detailed project plans while balancing competing priorities, evolving business needs, and delivery commitments
  • Partner with technical teams to ensure solutions meet integration, security, governance, and operational readiness requirements
  • Maintain program documentation, audit readiness, and decision traceability for enterprise initiatives


Strategic Decision-Making & Problem Solving
  • Drive prioritization, resourcing, issue resolution, and scalable solution recommendations
  • Anticipate challenges, mitigate risks early, and apply structured analytical judgment
  • Lead strategic decision-making related to scope, prioritization, resourcing, sequencing, and delivery execution across complex technical and AI-enabled initiatives
  • Evaluate operational, technical, business, and governance considerations to recommend scalable, sustainable, and enterprise-aligned solutions
  • Proactively identify, assess, mitigate, and escalate risks, issues, and decision points while presenting actionable recommendations and resolution strategies
  • Apply a structured and analytical approach to problem-solving by anticipating challenges, recognizing risks early, and developing practical solutions beyond the obvious
  • Exercise sound independent judgment with significant day-to-day impact on project direction, delivery strategy, and overall program success
  • Maintain the highest level of confidentiality and discretion regarding firm, client, and AI-enabled information, systems, integrations, and data sources


Stakeholder & Team Leadership
  • Align executives, business, and technical teams; communicate clearly; resolve blockers
  • Motivate teams, foster accountability, and maintain delivery excellence
  • Serve as a trusted liaison between executive leadership, business stakeholders, technical teams, vendors, and external partners
  • Facilitate alignment across cross-functional teams with competing priorities and complex decision-making requirements
  • Present technical and AI-related concepts, risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations to executive leadership in a clear and actionable manner
  • Lead and motivate project teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and delivery excellence
  • Build strong relationships across business, technical, and governance stakeholders to support successful program execution
  • Deliver executive presentations, dashboards, status reporting, and communications that clearly reflect project health, milestones, risks, and outcomes
  • Resolve blockers, resource constraints, and delivery challenges in fast-paced and high-pressure environments


Technical Competencies
  • Oversee integrations, APIs, cloud platforms, AI lifecycle, and Agile delivery tools
  • Experience managing enterprise integrations, APIs, data flows, cloud-based platforms, and enterprise applications
  • Understanding of AI implementation lifecycle considerations, including governance, evaluation, testing, adoption, operational support, and responsible AI practices
  • Familiarity with Agile delivery methodologies and tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Smartsheet, or similar platforms
  • Experience coordinating technical dependencies across infrastructure, security, application development, and data teams


Job Specifications:
  • At least five (5) years of progressive project or program management experience leading enterprise technology initiatives
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Experience within a law firm, consulting, or professional services organization
  • Business analysis and/or technical writing experience
  • Experience with enterprise change management and digital transformation initiatives
  • Certifications such as:
    • PMP
    • Agile/Scrum
    • ITIL
    • SAFe
  • AI-related certifications
  • Ability to manage complex software development and systems integration projects
  • Ability to deliver AI/ML or Generative AI initiatives in enterprise environments
  • Strong understanding of project management methodologies including Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and hybrid delivery models
  • Ability to manage enterprise-level stakeholders, including executive leadership
  • Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously in fast-changing environments
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
  • Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
  • Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly


Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $110,000 - $150,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

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About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Our lawyers represent a wide range of commercial, industrial and financial enterprises, both publically and privately held. McDermott has more than 1,100 lawyers located in 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. Further extending our reach in Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott partners with clients to accomplish their business objectives by providing superior counsel and service. The expansion of our international platform has supported numerous cross-border transactions and litigation matters, while providing the experience necessary to offer corporate, tax, labor and benefits, competition, intellectual property and regulatory counsel to clients across all industries. In the years to come, we will continue to expand geographically and enhance our existing practices and industry-focused strengths, and are committed to building from these strengths in order to best serve our clients and communities. McDermott has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work. We believe it is our obligation to embrace our communities and promote their well being through pro bono work, community service, charitable giving, environmental stewardship and promoting diversity.

McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Joining McDermott Will & Emery presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career at a global leader in legal services. The firm is renowned for fostering professional growth and embracing innovation through a culture that values diversity and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

McDermott Will & Emery offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The firm seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a dynamic team. From seasoned attorneys to support staff, McDermott Will & Emery is continuously hiring to enhance their service capabilities.

Internship Programs

Internships at McDermott Will & Emery provide a robust platform for early-career individuals to gain significant, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Interns are immersed in the culture of excellence, working closely with experienced professionals while engaging in real-world legal challenges.

Career Growth and Development

McDermott Will & Emery is committed to the professional development of its team members. The firm offers unmatched training, development programs, and leadership workshops to ensure career trajectories are not only met but exceeded. Employees are encouraged to leverage these opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The firm holds a strong commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. McDermott Will & Emery believes in empowering all employees through diversity training that enriches the professional environment and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

McDermott Will & Emery prides itself on offering competitive benefits that reflect the firm’s appreciation for its team members. Benefits are designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of all employees and their families. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and collaboration, making it a prime environment for professional fulfillment.

Networking and Innovation

Networking within McDermott Will & Emery is supported through various events, seminars, and collaborative projects that encourage connections and foster innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to build networks that can support personal and professional growth.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at McDermott Will & Emery, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the firm’s Careers page. The hiring process may include multiple stages of interviews to ensure a mutual fit both for the candidate and the company.

Stay Connected with McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Interested professionals can stay informed about new openings and company news by subscribing to job alert emails. These updates provide valuable insights into the firm and the legal industry, helping potential candidates find the right opportunities.

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