Job Description

You’re looking for a change, and so are we. At Venable, we know that every new hire brings valuable experience, new perspectives, and a chance to raise the bar on our approach to how we work. That’s why we’re looking for a Legal Project Manager to operate as an AI-forward adopter, partnering with attorneys and business professionals to enhance matter efficiency and financial performance.

This is a hybrid position and can be based in any Venable office.

The ideal candidate will be responsible for...

• Utilizing the suite of firm technology, including AI-enabled tools, to improve legal project management processes, efficiency, decision-making, and matter outcomes.
• Developing and managing matter budgets, forecasts, and financial plans for client use; preparing financial reports, accruals, and client budget updates for attorneys, clients and firm leadership.
• Monitoring matter financial performance, including budget-to-actual results, WIP, realization, fees, collections, and budget variances, and recommend corrective actions.
• Partnering with attorneys to manage matter scope, staffing, financial risks, and client expectations throughout the matter lifecycle.
• Collaborating with Pricing, Finance, Billing, and other business services teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Driving the adoption of consistent legal project management practices, reporting tools, and matter management processes while supporting enhancements to financial systems and technology.

The successful candidate will demonstrate…

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience required; JD or MBA strongly preferred.
• Five or more years of experience in legal project management, legal finance, pricing, or law firm financial operations.
• Experience developing matter budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and law firm financial systems such as Aderant or Elite; experience and proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize processes, leverage technology, and enhance reporting while driving consistency across matters.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with attorneys, clients, and business professionals.

Pay Range for Candidates in Washington, DC: $145,000 - $170,000 per year

The range provided is the minimum and maximum salary that Venable in good faith believes at the time of this posting that it is willing to pay for the advertised position. Exact compensation will be determined based on individual candidate qualifications and location. Additional compensation may include discretionary bonuses and overtime, if eligible. Overtime wages earned will be paid in compliance with applicable law.

Venable’s benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending and healthcare savings accounts, 401(k) with firm profit share, paid vacation and sick time, firm paid holidays, wellness and personal advocacy programs, family planning resources and leave programs, tuition reimbursement, and more. New employees are provided a detailed orientation to the firm’s benefit offerings upon hire.

Investing your time and talents is no small matter—we know that superior service to our clients starts with an investment in you. Our competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and programs that support our employees’ well-being, families, and futures reflect our pride in our people. From our legal administrative assistants to our senior partners, Venable prioritizes the whole person in order to cultivate the most successful of relationships.

Here, we strive to offer the kind of care that radiates, from our colleagues to our clients, to our communities, so that success finds everyone.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
• JD or MBA strongly preferred.
• A minimum of five years of experience in legal project management, legal finance, pricing, or law firm financial operations.
• Experience developing matter budgets, financial forecasts, and performance reporting.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and law firm financial systems such as Aderant or Elite.
• Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Power BI and data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and relationship management skills.

Professional Competencies

Leadership and Collaboration

• Builds trusted relationships with attorneys and business professionals.
• Exercises sound judgment, accountability, and professionalism while managing competing priorities.
• Supports a collaborative, high-performing team through mentoring and knowledge sharing.

Communication and Client Service

• Communicates financial information clearly and delivers responsive internal and external client service.
• Maintains confidentiality and credibility when handling sensitive client and firm information.

Analytical and Operational Excellence

• Uses financial analysis to improve matter performance and profitability.
• Continuously improves processes, reporting, and technology while delivering accurate, timely work.

Key Performance Indicators

• Accurate and timely matter budgets and forecasts.
• Proactive management of budget variances and financial risks.
• Improved matter visibility on financial performance.
• Timely financial reporting and client budget updates.
• Adoption of consistent legal project management practices.
• Strong partnerships with attorneys and business services teams.