Practice Innovation Manager

About the role

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a Practice Solutions Manager to support the connection between the firm’s practice groups and the legal‑technology solutions they use. The manager will work with the Innovation Department, practicing attorneys, and vendors to deliver practice‑focused technology solutions, translate emerging trends into scalable tools, and improve efficiency and service delivery for attorneys and clients.

Responsibilities

• Support the product owner for an assigned portfolio of legal‑technology solutions, assisting with each tool through its lifecycle—including requirements definition, piloting, development/customization, onboarding, launch/implementation, adoption, ongoing enhancements, and usage tracking.
• Work with practicing attorneys and the Knowledge & Innovation attorney team to identify practice‑level needs and support the evaluation and implementation of solutions.
• Support pilot programs and proof‑of‑concept initiatives for prospective solutions, including tracking specifications, evaluating software, gathering attorney feedback, and monitoring project timelines.
• Guide new solutions through the firm’s internal onboarding and approval processes to ensure successful, compliant implementation.
• Support adoption strategies by raising awareness, delivering training, and encouraging usage of solutions among attorneys and practice groups.
• Track usage and adoption metrics for assigned tools, identifying trends and opportunities to improve engagement and effectiveness.
• Serve as a point of contact for vendors, managing relationships, tracking product roadmaps, and translating upcoming enhancements into practice impact.
• Coordinate with IT, Information Security, Information Governance, OGC, Talent, and Marketing & Business Development to align solution rollouts with firm‑wide policies, systems, and initiatives.
• Monitor advancements in technology‑related working groups and committees, evaluate new offerings, and provide input to practice‑group leadership.
• Maintain product charters, roadmaps, governance policies, and usage guidelines to ensure clear product direction and stakeholder transparency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least five (5) years of related experience in technology, product management, knowledge management, or legal operations, preferably within a law‑firm environment.
• Experience in the legal industry or professional‑services environment preferred.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience supporting a product lifecycle, including requirements documentation, user testing, training, and licensure management.
• Knowledge of LegalTech product categories and emerging AI tools.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues across teams.
• Good business judgment when making decisions and understanding how those decisions affect the team’s day‑to‑day goals.
• Strong project and timeline management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly at the appropriate level to varied audiences.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) and Visio.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize responsibilities, and handle confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and under own direction and initiative.

Pay

Target hiring range: $167,000 – $235,000. Base pay varies by market location, knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Full‑time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

A competitive total rewards package that includes performance‑based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits program supporting physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work‑life balance.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Typical indoor office environment.