James Senior – Senior Legal Project Manager
This is the blog of James Senior; it will explore various aspects of Mr Senior’s professional life, covering a range of topics including stalking and criminal law, how to pursue a career in legal project management and the importance of negotiation skills in business.
What is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of unwanted and repeated behaviour that causes the victim to feel scared or distressed. It can consist of a wide range of behaviours such as unwanted or malicious communication, the regular sending of unwanted gifts, physical or sexual assault and damaging property. Stalking can have a significant emotional impact on victims, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression and sometimes even causing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Amendments were made to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in November 2012 that made stalking a specific offence. Two sections of the act now deal with stalking, 2A and 4A. The former designates stalking a criminal offence for the first time (in English and Wales law), while the latter concerns stalking that has caused serious distress or fear of violence.
Legal Project Management
Legal project management involves applying project management principles, techniques and tools to the delivery of legal services. It can help to improve the management of pricing, cost, resources, risk and client communications. Pursuing a career in legal project management offers an individual the opportunity to work in a variety of areas of law, such as criminal law and family law. To get started on this career pathway, gaining GCSE qualifications, as well as obtaining good grades at A-level, is highly recommended. A 2:1 or higher in a relevant degree is a standard requirement for most law firms seeking to hire a legal project manager.
Gaining experience in general project management is a good idea; this can take many forms, from project managing for a start-up company or leading large construction projects, for example. Those keen to follow a career in legal project management may also wish to undertake certification to improve their knowledge of the legal sector and enhance their skills.
Negotiating
Negotiation is a crucial business skill. It’s essential for effective conflict resolution, building relationships and improving communication. As a problem-solving tool, negotiation can promote the identification of innovative ways to overcome challenges during the deal-making process. Good negotiation skills can even boost a business’s bottom line by allowing individuals to walk away with the best possible outcome, whether this is in the boardroom or when negotiating a pay rise.