Client Events Manager

San Francisco, CA

Summary

Operating in a fast-paced, partner-driven environment, this role functions as a lead advisor for complex and high-visibility events while also supporting the broader Client Events portfolio. The Manager is accountable for event strategy, execution quality, budget stewardship, and stakeholder confidence, and plays a key role in scaling the firm’s events capability through mentorship, process development, and cross-functional partnership.

This role is distinguished by independent decision-making, event ownership, and functional leadership, while partnering closely with Marketing and Client Events leadership on firmwide priorities and marquee programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of client events, including large-scale programs, CLE seminars, private dinners, and receptions, across all offices, managing logistics, venue selection, vendor negotiations, and on-site execution.
• Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to attorneys, practice leadership, and Marketing colleagues on event strategy, format, audience, investment, and execution approach.
• Develop innovative event concepts and agendas aligned with practice group priorities and firmwide business development goals, ensuring every event drives measurable client engagement.
• Build and manage event budgets and timelines, including detailed run-of-show documents, and independently oversee multiple concurrent events of varying complexity.
• Act as the escalation point during live events, resolving issues in real time, and lead post-event analysis, including ROI measurement and stakeholder feedback, to drive continuous improvement.
• Partner with Marketing and Business Development teams to align events with strategic objectives, managing invitation workflows, RSVP tracking, follow-up communications, and Salesforce campaign maintenance.
• Mentor and coach junior team members on judgment, stakeholder management, and execution excellence, while contributing to workload prioritization across the Client Events team.
• Drive the ongoing development of team processes, tools, templates, and best practices to scale the firm’s events capability and maintain consistency and quality across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 7+ years of progressive event management experience, with law firm or professional services background strongly preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex, high-visibility events from concept through execution, with the ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.
• Experience leading or supervising a team, with the ability to provide clear direction, feedback, and support to direct reports.
• Confident, polished communicator with the interpersonal presence to advise and build trust with attorneys, partners, and senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail across logistics, communications, and execution, with strong troubleshooting abilities and sound judgment under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk, make confident decisions in high-pressure situations, and serve as an effective escalation point during live events.
• Experience mentoring or developing junior team members in a professional services environment, with a track record of building team capability and fostering collaboration.
• Proficiency in event-related technology; prior Salesforce experience preferred, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality of firm information at all times.
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours and during weekends, as required by event schedules. Estimated travel is 10-15% annually.

Compensation: $128,000.00-$179,000.00 annually plus bonus