Business Development Manager - Litigation

LLP•Chicago, WA

11d

About The Position

The Business Development Manager serves as a dedicated liaison to one or more practice groups within the Global Litigation Practice. In partnership with group leaders and other partners, the Manager develops and executes strategies and business plans and oversees a range of business development and marketing initiatives. These include written proposals and pitches for panel and other appointments; maintaining business development and marketing collateral, including experience databases; monitoring progress against planned priorities; preparing directory submissions and awards materials; and developing strategies for major client programs. The role also involves learning about the practices and building the Firm’s internal knowledge of clients and their businesses to foster cross-selling. The Manager advises practice and industry leaders on marketing and client development plans, evaluates initiatives and budgets, identifies opportunities using research and analytics, and maintains practice business-development processes and materials. The role leads RFPs and pitches, produces tailored proposals, prepares pitch teams, and manages follow-up. It also coordinates profile-raising activities, events, communications opportunities, practice meetings, and budgets. The position includes people-management responsibilities, including participating in hiring, overseeing daily staff operations and work, supporting staff development through goal setting, coaching, and training, and preparing annual performance appraisals. The role requires at least five years of relevant professional experience and a bachelor’s degree. The target salary range is $140,000–$190,000 for candidates located in Illinois, New York, or Washington, D.C.; compensation varies by location and other factors. The package includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program.

Requirements

At least five years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical-thinking skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
Strong attention to detail and good judgment.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
Ability to work under pressure.

Nice To Haves

Degree preferably in marketing, communications, business/finance, or a related field.
Professional marketing or business development experience, or strategic planning, sales, market assessment, or positioning experience in a law firm or other professional services organization.
Experience and knowledge of the business and legal landscape in securitization and leveraged finance.
Supervisory, managerial, and/or project management experience.
M.B.A. or J.D. is a considerable plus.
Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, OnePlace, and/or Foundation.
Familiarity with company and market research tools and league tables such as CapitalIQ, Mergermarket, Bloomberg, and Refinitiv.

Responsibilities

Consult with practice and industry leaders and partners on marketing and client development plans for groups and individual lawyers.
Attend and contribute to practice and industry group meetings and planning sessions.
Track and analyze practice initiatives and their budget impact, and evaluate past initiatives for return on investment.
Identify and recommend business development opportunities and trends using data analytics, competitive intelligence, industry trends, and market analysis.
Evaluate business prospects and cross-marketing efforts and make recommendations to practice and industry leaders.
Manage and improve business development processes and infrastructure, including collateral, experience and matter databases, contact lists, and opportunity tracking.
Ensure marketing collateral, communications, and thought leadership content are accurate, consistent, and current.
Improve processes and make effective use of available technology and resources.
Coordinate with the Market Intelligence team on industry and client research for practice development initiatives.
Facilitate planning, implementation, and follow-up for new business and cross-marketing opportunities.
Lead project management for RFPs and pitches for primary practices and other groups as needed.
Lead briefing discussions to propose or understand opportunities; write proposals and prepare tailored RFI and RFP responses.
Advise on preparation and rehearsal of pitch teams; coordinate post-pitch follow-up and debriefs and report outcomes to Firm leaders.
Lead submissions for practice and industry rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other ratings.
Work with Regional Marketing teams on Sidley-hosted or sponsored programs and events.
Coordinate with the Communications team on public relations opportunities.
Recommend and facilitate lawyers’ participation in professional organizations that enhance the visibility of lawyers and the Firm.
Assist with practice and industry team meeting planning, including agendas and engaging content.
Assist with coordinating budgets and support Business Development and Marketing team meeting agendas and coordination.
Participate in hiring, managing, and developing junior team members.
Oversee daily staff operations and review staff work.
Manage staff professional development, including goal setting, coaching, and training.
Prepare annual performance appraisals and provide timely performance feedback.