Business Development Manager, Intellectual Property

Ballard Spahr LLP • Washington, DC

9d • $145,000 - $165,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth. Under the direction of the Senior Director and Senior Manager, the Business Development Manager (BDM) will play a key role in supporting the Intellectual Property (IP) practice. As a valued member of the Business Development and Marketing team, the BDM will collaborate closely with IP practice leadership, industry teams, attorneys, and marketing professionals to drive strategic growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm's market presence. The BDM will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive business development plans, identifying opportunities to expand existing client relationships, and pursuing new business opportunities. This role will also support efforts to elevate the firm's brand and reputation, ensuring alignment with broader departmental and firmwide strategic objectives. Success in this position requires a proactive, resilient, and results-oriented professional who can think strategically, execute effectively, and build strong partnerships across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a collaborative and consultative approach, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the office.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• A minimum of five years of legal marketing experience
• Prior law firm experience required
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management, interpersonal, and analytical abilities
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, marketing databases, and other business development technologies is essential
• Strong business acumen
• Client-focused mindset
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with attorneys, clients, and internal stakeholders
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet competing deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment is critical
• Strong work ethic
• Collaborative approach
• Commitment to delivering high-quality service are indispensable

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Intellectual Property or similar practice groups is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders, to create and implement strategic business development plans and promote the firm’s services while understanding, addressing, and aligning our efforts with targets and clients’ objectives.
• Develop and maintain a rolling pipeline, which tracks targets, opportunities, and progress updates to help attorneys achieve goals.
• Provide business development coaching in group and one-on-one settings and supports lawyers in the development of their individual attorney business development plans.
• Manage and drive follow-up on assigned business development initiatives and coordinate business development efforts across practices and industries.
• Provide IP content and positioning for pitch materials, proposals, and RFP responses, and occasionally lead proposal responses.
• In collaboration with the client events and communications teams, oversee the strategy and development of events, sponsorships and other marketing/communications activities.
• Build relationships with key organizations as a market-facing resource and ambassador for the firm.

Benefits

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.
• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
• Excellent benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level