Senior Legal Project Manager

Morrison & Foerster, LLP • Washington, DC

7d

About The Position

Play a key role in shaping how complex legal work is planned, managed, and delivered. In this position, you will lead project management for high-value, high-risk matters, bringing structure, financial discipline, and transparency to every phase of delivery. You’ll partner closely with attorneys and cross-functional leaders across Pricing, Finance, Staffing, and Technology to drive alignment and elevate matter performance. In addition to hands-on leadership of critical engagements, you will manage and develop a team of Legal Project Managers while reinforcing consistent, high-impact project management practices across the firm.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, JD, or equivalent) a plus
• 8+ years of experience in legal project management, pricing, practice management, consulting, or professional services operations
• Experience managing complex legal matters and budgets in a law firm or similar environment
• Prior team leadership or people management experience
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior partner
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or equivalent)
• Experience with alternative fee arrangements and client-facing pricing discussions
• Familiarity with legal matter management, e-billing, and financial reporting systems
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines
• Proactive problem-solver with a client-service mindset

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Amazon’s Preferred Provider Program (PPP)

Responsibilities

• Lead project management for complex, high-value legal matters from scoping through close, ensuring alignment with client expectations
• Develop and manage workplans, timelines, staffing models, and budgets; monitor progress and proactively address risks, scope changes, and variances
• Partner with Pricing and Finance to build and manage detailed matter budgets, including alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) such as fixed fees and fee caps
• Track financial performance (burn rates, accruals, forecasts) and support partners with client-facing budget updates and course correction strategies
• Contribute to RFPs, pitches, and client proposals with project planning, staffing models, and pricing input
• Manage and mentor a small team of Legal Project Managers, providing coaching, oversight, and acting as an escalation point for complex issues
• Deliver training and guidance to attorneys and teams on matter scoping, budgeting, forecasting, and project management best practices
• Oversee adoption and day-to-day use of Cosine, the firm’s matter management and budgeting tool, ensuring consistent use for planning, tracking, and reporting
• Partner with Finance, Pricing, and Technology teams to enhance workflows, reporting accuracy, and overall matter delivery
• Support continuous improvement of legal project management practices, tools, and templates to drive efficiency, consistency, and strong client outcomes

Benefits

• MoFo offers a comprehensive benefits package starting on your first day.
• A variety of options for medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage to meet the needs of you and your family.
• Industry-leading parental leave and family benefits including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
• Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
• Annual community service day to make an impact on your community and a birthday holiday just for fun.
• Education reimbursement annually.
• Dedicated Talent Development team.
• Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level