Driving Legal Project Management: A Fiat, a Honda, or a Cadillac?
Having worked with lawyers on managing legal matters for many years, one thing is clear to me: the application of legal project management requires an agile approach.
Sometimes you need something simple, yet enough to get the job done; like a Fiat. This usually means a strong communication plan using strategies like a kick-off meeting, a written scope, a recurring status meeting, budget updates and a closing matter debrief. Nothing fancy, and it works.
Sometimes you need a little more sophistication and structure; like a Honda. In addition to a strong communication plan, you need reliable processes in place to keep the team on track amidst changing priorities and moving deadlines. You may need a dedicated legal project manager to keep all the trains running on time and people working on the right tasks. The focus is on reliability, and it works.
Sometimes you need all the bells and whistles; like a Cadillac. You have a strong communication plan in place, a written scope and project plan, a project manager assigned. You may also need a technological platform that will allow for swift action item tracking, automatic notifications on deadlines, and reporting capabilities. Clients appreciate trending analysis (especially if you’re managing a litigation portfolio); kind of like traction control. You have everything at your fingertips, and the foundation for a smooth ride. Of course we know deer jump in the road, so you have to always be ready for a quick adjustment.
Then there is everything in between. Successful legal project managers will be able to apply structure and flexibility in sync and will be able to identify what kind of 'car' you need for the trip, in order to arrive at your destination successfully.