Project Management Specialist - Real Estate Practice

About the role

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm's work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision. The Project Management Specialist will report to the Head of Real Estate Practice Administration and join the team that is providing operational, administrative, and strategic support to the Global Real Estate practice and its most senior members. You will own the end-to-end orchestration of complex initiatives, ensuring that every project progresses with clarity, efficiency, and adherence to strict quality standards. You will act as the central coordination point for all real estate practice activities, translating strategic priorities into actionable plans and timelines. You will safeguard the integrity of information, manage competing demands, and ensure that critical deadlines are met without compromise. Your role will directly influence the firm's ability to deliver sophisticated legal solutions with reliability and operational excellence.

Key facts

What you'll do

Coordinate and track major Real Estate practice initiatives from inception to completion, maintaining rigorous oversight of timelines, deliverables, and dependencies.

Support business functions and operations for the Real Estate Practice's senior stakeholders by acting as a strategic partner in their day-to-day execution.

Assist with logistical planning for major initiatives, including the assessment of resource needs, risk mitigation, and contingency planning.

Develop and maintain relationships with key clients and vendors, ensuring alignment on objectives, expectations, and service standards.

Serve as liaison to firm departments, and external stakeholders when necessary, to promote and coordinate new or existing projects across the organization.

Oversee scheduling and logistics for Real Estate Practice meetings, programming, and events as assigned, managing all facets of attendee experience.

Research and maintain working knowledge of major clients and development for the Practice, synthesizing insights to inform strategic discussions.

Plan and coordinate special projects in support of the Real Estate Practice and perform related duties as required, adapting to evolving priorities and demands.

Assist with scheduling calls, meetings, and events, both internally and externally, of the Real Estate practice key team members while managing conflicts and optimizing calendars.

Implement and refine operational processes to improve project execution, documentation, and communication across the Real Estate practice.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree is mandatory as a foundational credential for this role.

Experience working in a legal or other global professional services firm is essential to navigate this environment successfully.

Must have at least 15+ years of direct experience in scheduling and coordinating logistics to demonstrate deep expertise.

Strong interpersonal skills are required to interact with attorneys and staff at all levels within a large law firm setting.

Attention to detail and good organizational skills; effective at multi-tasking is non-negotiable for success in this position.

Demonstrated ability to deal with confidential and highly sensitive information with the utmost discretion and integrity.

Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for clear and professional interaction with all stakeholders.

Proactive self-starter who is able to self-manage and also work as part of a team, thriving in a collaborative culture.

Must be able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment where priorities shift rapidly.

Practical notes

This role operates in an environment where precision, discretion, and reliability are paramount. You will be expected to manage multiple high-profile matters simultaneously, requiring superior organizational acumen and the ability to prioritize under pressure. Success in this position depends on your capacity to anticipate needs, resolve issues proactively, and communicate with clarity across diverse stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring a disciplined approach to project management, ensuring that every initiative is executed with accuracy and timeliness. You will be responsible for maintaining the operational backbone that allows the Real Estate practice to function seamlessly. This includes monitoring progress, escalating risks, and ensuring that all activities remain aligned with the firm's strategic objectives. The position demands a high level of professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to delivering outstanding support at all times.