I am in a new position (starting in May) in an IT dept in a large law firm. They have found over the past few years, that they needed a PM to come in and introduce process, etc. My PM background includes software development in insurance, financial and telecom. Big difference here and I am flopping in the wind for a few reasons and need some guidance;
1) 99% of the time, deadlines don't really exist - I have introduced targeted go live dates, but if they slip (for whatever reason) there are no repercussions
2) there is no budget - if someone says we need to do something, we do it - no ROI is necessary nor would they care even if you put it in front of them (I have tried)
3) we have a senior executive (whom I work for) that essentially has taken the stance that we will do anything and everything, so there is no priority
4) that same executive is not on board with upholding IT standards/process to people outside of our group
Essentially I am managing task flow. The entire IT team is behind me in the changes I have been able to implement, but frustrated with the other roadblocks.
I want to implement a true PMO here, but am getting no where. Help please. Saving Changes...
In a legal firm, they could care less about project management. Remember, IT is merely a support function (READ -> Cost Center). If you're unhappy working there, then I suggest you put your energies in finding another job. Saving Changes...
1. Deadlines.
Three major things that you should work with; A. Commitment and expectations. B. Financial consequences. C.”Carrot”
Commitment and expectations. Gather all involved people and let them talk about commitments…what is a commitment and if it is ok to break a commitment. Let the team express their expectations on you and vice versa. Document on this and agree upon it.
Financial consequences. Money talk…/%/¤¤ walks… How much does it cost for the lawfirm to have all activities and project to slip in time. To be able to show this you need to have a good baseline for all activities with proper estimations.
The carrot. It seams that your firm has a lot of money. Why not introduce a bonus if you meet the deadlines.
2. Budget
Get your self the correct mandate to say that we have a budget for all activities we do within IT. You need to step up and say that within my responsibility and department we do it in this way.
3. Prioritization
You need to prioritise for you self. If your manager think it is wrong he/she will correct it for you… Do a list of all activities that you are responsible of and start prioritise.
4. IT-processes
Hmmm…tough one. You need to hang in there. Keep on pushing, do not give up and repeat all the benefits of good enough IT-processes. I am encountering the same problem and it do take time but if you only stay firm to your message they will turn around to a positive mindset to the processes. Another way of showing that the ITprocesses rules are to stop giving service to the people not following the processes.
About Project management and Leadership
Saving Changes...
It sounds like you lack data to make a case to the owners of the business. Implementing the measurements you enumerated will help you along that path. With actual figures that translate into dollars, you may have enough ammunition for persuasion. Of course this takes time, but just saying "we need PMO" will fall on deaf ears. You need to say "we need a PMO, and here's why" and present graphs, charts, figures, and red flags. They'll probably listen to that. If they don't, then there's a big red flag for you. Saving Changes...
Again...In a legal firm, they could care less about project management. Remember, IT is merely a support function (READ -> Cost Center)...OVERHEAD and not billing clients DIRECTLY. If you're unhappy working there, then I suggest you put your energies in finding another job. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
I am a PMP and have been at a law firm for over 4 years now. I encountered some of the same issues you are encountering (i.e. no deadlines, no budgets, constantly shifting priorities). I previously worked in telecom IT, where we had to meet all of these goals.
I started out very frustrated. I talked to a number of people who have worked for law firms for years and have been told, as one of the other posters alluded to, that we support the attorneys and we do what they need to get done at the time they need it.
We are starting to focus more and more on project management as more focus is being put on saving money in these "cost centers". So, I am encouraged that as we move forward, inch by inch (or centimeter by centimeter) we start to implement various PM tools and strategies.
Most attorneys are creatures of habit and changing what they considers works for them is a slooooooow(!) process.
I have noticed that some of the younger attorneys and those more exposed to IT legal issues (e.g. IP groups) are more accepting and willing to try out newer concepts.
Also, some of our clients are requesting our attorney teams to create project plans to manage certain transactions.
Maybe you can find a champion or sponsor in a young, partner with a good reputation or a partner in one of the groups that tend to be exposed to, and embrace, new technology. Saving Changes...
Dear Colleague, Please let me know if you can refer someone for this great opportunity.
Thank you,
Doreen
IT Project Coordinator Needed
My client, a major Newark law firm is currently seeking a Project Coordinator for their State-of-the-Art Information Technology Department. The ideal candidate will be a college graduate with a degree and at least 5 years of experience in project management in Information Technology. The position typically gets involved in the development and administration of project plans and procedures, facilitating project management and project status review meetings, conducting research and analysis on project status, serving as the primary administrator of the project and time databases, and providing training, mentoring and coaching. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs and Microsoft project. Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, technological, communication and project management skills.
Salary $90-100k (commensurate with experience)
If interested, please forward resumes in WORD format to: [email protected]
