Business Development Manager, Litigation

New York, NY

Summary

The Business Development Manager for the Litigation Group (the “Business Development Manager”) will partner with, and support, practice group leadership, individual partners and the firm’s global Business Development, Marketing & Communications team, to develop and advance strategic business development planning and related initiatives, increase revenue generation and enhance the external market profile of the firm’s litigation practice and partners globally.

The Business Development Manager will promote new business and revenue generation,  and raise the market profile of the practice and its partners, through effective collaboration with partners and business services colleagues on client pitches/new business proposals; global cross-selling efforts across practice groups and industry teams; preparation of elite legal directory submissions and developing strong relations with media and directory researchers and publishers; and identification and planning of client events, conferences, speaking opportunities and thought leadership initiatives.

A successful Business Development Manager will be a self-starter and proactive in identifying new business development opportunities, knowledgeable about the legal industry and litigation/investigation practices in particular, and able to provide leadership and superior execution to achieve effective business development results.  Equally, Business Development Manager must be comfortable interfacing with practice leaders and partners, and “rolling up the sleeves”, attending to details and executing on others’ ideas and plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate pitches, proposals and RFP responses for new business opportunities. In connection with RFPs, analyze requirements, participate in the development of a clear and focused strategy, draft comprehensive responses, and collaborate with business development team members in other practice groups and offices as appropriate.
• Develop and coordinate the drafting of submissions for legal directories and research guides (e.g., Benchmark Litigation, Chambers, Global Investigations Review, Legal 500, other practice specific directories), including the drafting of submissions, coordination of researcher interviews, and tracking of rankings and accolades.
• Develop, organize and maintain practice group marketing collateral and experience content. Update practice area profiles, brochures, matter lists and website and intranet content. Maintain and/or build litigation specific contact lists in firm wide CRM system (InterAction).
• Assist in the development of the practice group’s business plans and targeted business development initiatives.
• Conduct and summarize research on new and prospective clients, competitive intelligence and market considerations, utilizing litigation-related research tools such as Westlaw/Lexis and Lex Machina, in preparation for client meetings, pitches/RFPs and other business development initiatives. Work with partners to identify potential thought leadership opportunities and lead efforts to actualize implementation.  Attend practice group meetings whenever appropriate.
• Identify, plan and provide logistical support for all internal and external marketing events, speaking engagements and conferences.
• Assist with any related special projects designed to raise the practice group’s profile. Manage the practice’s business development budget in conjunction with the practice group leaders. Work with the finance department to ensure the effective use of data for business development purposes.
• Effectively manage, train and develop business development and marketing personnel dedicated to the Litigation Group. 

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Communication Skills

• Exceptional verbal communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills and an ability to engage audiences

Team and Independent Worker

• Ability to build relationships and work well across functions
• Experience in a collaborative team environment

Time & Project Management

• Ability to prioritize and oversee multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

Business Acumen and Skills:

• Demonstrates a strong client service orientation
• Actively seeks innovative ways to improve processes, products, and client experience

Behavioral Traits

• Proven ability to quickly learn new information, applications, processes, and procedures
• Demonstrates the capacity to manage changing priorities and ambiguity while remaining calm and controlled
• Self-starter, who maintains direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
• Demonstrated poise and grace under pressure
• Communicates a “can do” attitude and positive outlook
• Professional image with ability to form good partner relationships across functions
• Demonstrates initiative and resourcefulness

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 8 – 12 years of frontline work experience combining legal industry knowledge, business development and marketing expertise
• Experience working in an international law firm or professional services environment is preferred
• Must have client relationship management experience in a global context
• Equivalent of 4 year college degree required
• Juris Doctor or other relevant graduate degree strongly preferred
• Experience with planning and preparing pitches, presentations and other marketing materials required
• Management experience and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with partners, associates and business services personnel at all levels
• Experience working across variety of office locations, cultures and time zones
• Advanced knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, InterAction; familiarity in working with any desktop publishing software or other CRM systems would be a plus