What's it like being a legal project manager?

This year, we are celebrating 10 years of Vario’s Flexible Services offering. Over the last decade, Vario has changed a lot as a business, adding a range of service offerings to our repertoire. One of these such offerings is Legal Project Management (LPM) and this article will give you an insight into what it’s like to work as an LPM with Vario.

Caryann Cook is one of our LPMs and has recently returned from a stint working in Pinsent Masons’ Dubai office. We recently sat down with her to find out more about the work she does and her experience working in the Middle East.

Q: As an LPM, what does your role entail?

A: “My role is a combination of keeping projects and budgets on track; liaising with clients, our legal teams and the LPM team, as well as business development.”

Q: How did you begin your career as an LPM?

A: “Having worked in the financial sector for a number of years in a more traditional project management role, I was given the opportunity to work at a large investment bank, relocating their legal teams into one centralised function. Having exposure and understanding of the legal teams, matter types and their complexities, a supporting role naturally developed in which budgeting for major matters was a key responsibility. I worked very closely with external counsel and the internal legal teams to assist with financial management and the scoping of such matters. This was the beginning of my LPM journey.”

Q: How has the role developed over the last few years?

A: “There has been a clear shift in that more and more clients want to see LPM at the table when firms bid for work. This trend began in the UK and we are now seeing this more and more with our global clients and RfPs.”

Q: How did you find working from Dubai compared to the UK?

A: “Aside from the obvious change in climate, I have found that people are extremely friendly and everywhere is easily accessible (if you ask anyone where any place is, you always get the standard response “it’s 30 minutes away”!) which in my experience is not entirely accurate!”

Q: Did you account for any cultural differences working in the Middle East compared to UK?

A: “Having had the opportunity to work in the Dubai office, it exudes the inclusive culture created at Pinsent Masons. You really do feel part of a family here which is sometimes lost in the larger offices. Culturally, with Ramadan having happened recently, it is also important to recognise and respect the hugely diverse mixing pot of cultures and beliefs in the region.”

Q: Do you have any advice for other professionals about to work abroad for the first time?

A: “I would say go for it! Take time to do the touristy things to get a feel of your new surroundings; take the time to speak to as many of your colleagues, friends and connections as possible both before you travel and once you land. Nothing beats the local knowledge that can be bestowed upon you!”

Q: What projects did you work on and how do they compare to previous work you’ve done?

A: "I worked on a high-profile German litigation and a portfolio of arbitrations in the Middle East. I was also involved in developing the LPM offering in relation to mega projects in the Middle East."

Q: How has having an LPM on the ground helped the projects you’ve been involved with?

A: “Being on the ground has not only re-enforced and strengthened connections with my colleagues forged remotely from the UK, but it has also facilitated in-person interaction with clients and has generally raised awareness of the LPM offering and the Vario practice group as a whole. Being based in the Middle East has enabled me to better facilitate meetings with the UK across to China where considering time zones can be tricky from the UK. Also, I have been able to get a better understanding of our people, matters and clients in the region which in turn assists in determining where LPM and Vario can add value.”

Q: Were there any other key observations you made whilst working abroad?

A: “My key observation would be that being central has made global conversations and calls a whole lot easier given the time differences, especially when taking into consideration our network in Asia Pacific and Africa.”

Q: What is your favourite element of being an LPM?

A: “Having the opportunity to work with various individuals, teams and clients. No two matters are the same which means I am continually growing and learning – every day’s a school day!”

If you’re interested in a career in Legal Project Management with Vario, then please get in touch with us. With our first 10 years behind us, we’re looking forward to expanding further over the next 10.