𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝.
01 Aug, 2025
I've been helping law firms build and scale LPM teams for 8 years now. Along the way, I've had the privilege of placing some incredible talent - people who’ve progressed into Senior LPM and Head of LPM roles, leading highly successful, global, revenue-generating teams. Lately, many of them are asking me the same question:
“What’s next?”
The great news is that LPM is no longer a career cul-de-sac. In fact, it’s become a powerful launchpad into broader legal business leadership roles.
Here are some of the natural next steps for experienced LPM professionals looking to evolve their careers:
Legal Operations (In-House)
Many LPMs are moving into in-house Legal Ops roles, especially within corporate legal teams.
Why it fits:
- You already understand process improvement, stakeholder management, and technology enablement.
- Legal Ops often expands beyond project delivery into vendor management, cost control, and department strategy.
Salary alignment: Often comparable to senior LPM roles, with Head of Legal Ops roles offering significant uplifts (think £90k–£150k+ depending on sector, scope and size).
Legal Transformation & Innovation Leadership
Firms and ALSPs need leaders who can drive strategic change, implement new delivery models and help embed tech into legal workflows.
Why it fits:
- LPMs are skilled at managing change and influencing fee earners, which is 80% of the battle.
- You already have the stakeholder relationships and delivery mindset.
Salary alignment: Typically £100k - £180k, with some Director-level roles exceeding that depending on firm size and remit.
Consulting / Advisory Roles
Think Big 4, boutique consultancies or internal advisory teams.
Why it fits:
- Your LPM toolkit (scoping, budgeting, delivery) is gold dust in consulting.
- Firms value real-life delivery experience - not just theory.
Salary alignment: Similar base salaries, often with bonus potential and accelerated career progression.
Product Ownership & Legal Tech
For those who love the tech side, moving into product roles within legal tech companies or ALSPs is another route.
Why it fits:
- LPMs are often the bridge between the tech team and the lawyers.
- Product roles need people who understand user needs and service delivery.
Salary alignment: Varies, but often starts around £80k–£110k+ with scope for growth in scaling businesses / revenue.
Practice Management & Operational Leadership
Some LPMs take a natural step into practice management roles, where they oversee broader operational performance within specific practice groups.
Why it fits:
- You’re already close to fee earners and understand the inner workings of legal service delivery.
- These roles often involve optimising processes, managing headcount, driving revenue growth, and leading the adoption of new tools or technologies.
Salary alignment: Competitive with senior LPM roles and often a stepping stone into Director-level or COO-style roles depending on firm structure.
The bottom line?
If you’ve built your career in LPM, you’re sitting on a highly transferable skill set—strategy, delivery, people management, commercial acumen and change leadership. The market is evolving, and your next step doesn’t have to be linear
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. If you’re considering your next move beyond LPM, drop me a message.
