Project Management Coordinator

Position summary

The Project Management Coordinator (“PM Coordinator”) will contribute to Reed Smith's value proposition by driving operational excellence and fostering an inclusive, collegial culture. The role will advance the Global Private Equity Chair's (“PE Chair”) priorities and values, both independently and as a member of a key team (“The Team”).

Key drivers for success are strong organizational and project management skills, understanding of the clients and the legal projects in Private Equity for the clients, commitment to internal and external client service, and a high degree of drive, initiative and judgment.

This role will be a member of a fast-paced team that supports the PE Chair in driving forward business development, client on-boarding and client service. The candidate must be adept at navigating complex, high-pressure environments and be comfortable working both independently and as a member of a fast-moving team. The Team is expected to function as a singular unit, with each member contributing to ensure tasks are completed, processes are continuously improved, communication flows and deadlines are met.

The candidate will interact directly with clients and partners across Reed Smith, maintaining and fostering positive relations.

This role will be required to use project management methodologies and tools to facilitate and execute project management, process improvement initiatives and process mapping efforts. The role will be expected to organize and manage projects, including follow up, for the practice, draft engagement letters and project plans, as well as help scope and price projects, for clients, as well as facilitate the full process of on-boarding and intake of new clients to the Firm.

• Take ownership of own tasks and projects, as well as organization of team tasks and projects, keeping status updated in team tracking documents, and contributing to team meetings and team communications with key updates and status information; demonstrate flexibility and ability to be nimble in the face of changing priorities as well as ability to juggle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously.
• Manage multiple projects concurrently, juggling priorities, deadlines and essential project management duties for each respective project.
• Track and follow up on open items for the practice.
• Write engagement letters, including project scoping and pricing, with input from firm partners, PE Chair, Client Value Team, and others on the Team. Must be able to apply own understanding / research of project to draft scoping and assumptions for partner review.
• Create matter work streams, including for full engagement and onboarding process of new clients.
• Extrapolate team projects and assignments from a high volume of emails.
• Continually compare matter progress to budget utilization and convey status, as appropriate.
• Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential risks and devise contingency plans as appropriate.
• Attend client and internal planning meetings, taking note of action items and follow up.
• Actively participate in initiatives set by PE Chair; help define and prioritize objectives, meet with stakeholders, source and analyze data, coordinate participants, monitor milestones, drive progress against plan and provide updates to sponsors and other relevant leaders.
• Enter and release time spent on Project Management and Legal Project Management for clients in the firm's Time Entry system (currently Intapp), such that PE Chair can charge PM/LPM activities to clients as appropriate.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Education:

College degree or related experience required.

Experience:

Minimum three to five years of relevant working experience, with at least one year of experience managing large scale projects. Experience with use of technology to further project management. Law firm or professional services experience a plus.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail a must.

Ability to…