Third in a 6-part series on the IILPM Competency Framework And Assessment Methodology For Legal Project Managers

This is the 3rd article in a 6-part series on the new IILPM Competency Framework and Assessment Methodology for Legal Project Managers. The topics in this series are: Multiple Points of Entry; Knowledge Areas; Identifying Gaps In Competency; Using an Assessment Tool for Diagnostic and Development Opportunities; International Applicability

Knowledge Areas for Legal Project Managers

In addition to addressing the issues raised by a broad range of entry points and capabilities for those seeking a career path in LPM, a competency model also needs to establish the domains or knowledge areas that are critical to success in the role.

The model identifies the following five areas:

1. Practice of law: the legislative, procedural rules and ethical responsibilities of the practice of law;
2. Legal industry ecosystem: the industry knowledge of the roles of legal professionals, buyers and consumers involved in legal services;
3. Legal operations: the policies, processes, information management and the associated supporting technologies of the business of law;
4. Legal project lifecycle: the approach, methods and techniques of defining, planning, delivering and closing legal matters and other projects; and
5. People dynamics: the soft skills required to engage key stakeholders and lead legal project team.

Most legal project managers can acquire foundational knowledge of the legal project lifecycle, yet there is great variability in the range of knowledge in the four other areas. This is particularly pronounced when considering the points of entry to the legal project management role now includes a certified professional project manager from outside the industry who may have a greater need to master all the other knowledge areas except the project lifecycle. Similarly, a paralegal may have greater challenges in mastering issues relating to the legal ecosystem than other allied legal professionals.

Here is an article that describes our work. Or follow along in this 6-part series to learn more.

Part 01: Introduction Click Here!

Part 02: Multiple Points of Entry Click Here!