Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Primary Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the Group Finance Director, Head of LPM UK & EMEA, determine, lead and manage the Transactions Groups' legal project management function, including the following areas of focus:

Firm-focused responsibilities

Designing a sustainable model of operational best practice within the Practice Groups to increase efficiency and reduce distractions for the legal teams including assisting teams to embed this.

Building relationships of trust and acting as the key interface between the different legal teams, LPM, relevant senior stakeholders and aligned functions.

Consulting with the Practice Groups and Digital Change team to identify, design, upskill, adopt and embed technology and new ways of working in a manner that is coordinated with the broader strategic goals of the Practice Groups and of the firm.

Contributing to long term behavioural change and driving a culture of innovation through LPM coaching, workshops and initiatives to ensure operational best practice is a core competency of all Transactions law lawyers.

Acting as a global connector between the Transactions Practice Groups and the broader firm to share and capitalise on learnings in other regions and Practice Groups.

Leverage the latest technology, working with AI and Tech Teams and deploy on matters. Champion the use of Timesheet Writer and other applications as agreed with the Group Finance Director.

Client-focused responsibilities

In consultation with the Transactions partners and as determined to be necessary and appropriate.

Working with the Transactions, LPM and Business Development to identify and prioritise areas of client opportunity in the region.

Leading work to design and develop LPM solutions for client challenges.

Representing the firm at relevant industry and client events and supporting others to deliver LPM content at such events.

Contributing ideas and assistance to thought leadership initiatives.

Team-focused responsibilities

With the guidance of the Head of LPM:

Setting high standards of accountability for themselves and their reporting staff and role models best practice behaviours.

Providing leadership to the teams for continuous improvement and innovation in the services and products delivered to clients and legal teams within the firm.

Developing a culture to support the attraction, development, performance and retention of the highest calibre employees.

Creating a framework to ensure team member resource and focus on UK & EMEA is directed towards activities that deliver optimal outcomes and maximum value to the firm.

Setting clear objectives and deliverables for team members and actively monitor and report performance against these.

Coordinating team members to ensure effective collaboration, cross-pollination and teaming in service delivery.

Provide any other assistance to the business on client matters and internal projects as required.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Degree qualified.

• 10 years post-degree experience in a law firm or other professional services firm and at least 3-4 years of experience as a Legal Project Manager.

• Candidates who are qualified lawyers with a proven track record of managing legal work, end to end

• Comprehensive understanding of the legal process and typical work product in a law firm environment (including managing large matters).

• Strong stakeholder management, influencing and relationship building skills including experience in building strong relationships of trust with senior stakeholders and/or clients.

• Demonstrated financial acumen and understanding of key financial performance indicators.

• Demonstrated ability to simplify complex concepts to understand and communicate information.

• Strong systems skill set and an ability to rapidly pick up new systems.

• Proven ability to manage and effectively guide a team or individuals

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Presents and facilitates with clarity, energy, confidence and enthusiasm, including structured interviewing.

• Attention to detail with ability to simplify complex concepts to effectively communicate information.

• Skilled at prioritising demanding workloads and working on projects as part of an international team

Desirable:

• Post-graduate study and qualifications/certifications.

• Formal project management qualification (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2, PMP or equivalent).

• A developed working knowledge of HighQ and/or Sharepoint as a project and workflow management tool.

• Experience working with a combination of legal technologies, for example, collaboration software; automation and AI.

Competencies:

Personal Leadership

Builds Authentic Relationships

Collaborates with others

Enhances the Client Experience

Achieves Results

Team

Business FinanceFull time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values-Human, Bold, and Outstanding.