Strong cooperation with internal teams is essential for successful project management, and one of the most important groups you’ll work with is Legal. From evaluating vendor contracts to approving lease agreements, the Legal team ensures compliance, mitigates risk, and protects your company’s interests. Here’s how to get the best legal collaboration while respecting their time and workload.
Why You Need Legal Support in Project Management
The Legal team plays a critical role in ensuring contracts and agreements align with company policies and legal regulations. Their expertise helps in:
- Interpreting contractual obligations and expenses – Avoid unexpected costs and liabilities.
- Understanding rights and risks – Ensure your company isn’t unknowingly relinquishing key rights.
- Mitigating legal risks – Protect your project from potential disputes or compliance issues.
Legal review is not an area to cut corners—mistakes can be costly. Always consult the experts when in doubt.
Best Practices for Legal Collaboration in Project Management
DO: Include Legal Review in Your Project Timeline
Legal teams manage multiple requests, so allow sufficient time for their review process. Ask about their workload and availability during the initial project planning phase to avoid last-minute delays.
DO: Clarify If a Document Requires Legal Review
Many organizations have specific guidelines on which documents need legal approval. If unsure, check with a Legal department administrator to confirm whether your paperwork requires review.
DO: Schedule Meetings Near the Legal Team’s Office
Legal professionals often need access to reference materials and case files. Holding meetings near their workspace ensures they have everything they need, reducing inefficiencies.
DON’T: Send Documents Without Context
Always provide a clear summary when submitting documents for legal review. Include:
- A brief explanation of the document
- What assistance you need from Legal
- The deadline for review
This prevents unnecessary back-and-forth and speeds up the review process.
DON’T: Expect Immediate Turnaround on Legal Reviews
Legal teams handle requests from every department. Avoid last-minute submissions and plan ahead to accommodate their workload. If a document is time-sensitive, notify them well in advance.
Conclusion
Effective collaboration with your Legal team ensures compliance, reduces project risks, and fosters a smooth workflow. By respecting their process, communicating clearly, and planning ahead, you’ll secure timely legal support while maintaining a productive partnership.
FAQs
1. Why is the Legal team important in project management?
Legal professionals help review contracts, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
2. How much time should be allocated for Legal review in a project?
It varies based on workload and complexity, but it’s best to ask Legal for an estimated timeframe during project planning.
3. What documents typically require Legal approval?
Contracts, lease agreements, vendor agreements, NDAs, and any legally binding documents should be reviewed by Legal.
4. How can project managers speed up the Legal review process?
Provide clear explanations, submit documents with adequate lead time, and communicate deadlines upfront.
5. What should I do if I’m unsure whether a document needs Legal review?
Consult a Legal department admin or refer to your organization’s document review guidelines for clarification.