Business Development Manager - Transactional

WilmerHale•Boston, MA

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

WilmerHale is seeking a Business Development Manager to drive business development initiatives for its Transactional Department and individual practice groups. The manager serves as a business development contact for attorneys, providing strategic guidance and support directly or coordinating with the Clients & Markets Department to deliver services efficiently and effectively. The role leads transactional practice group projects, including strategic business development activities, pitches and RFPs, market and company research, marketing materials, market visibility efforts, events and sponsorships, and analysis of client needs, referral networks, target industries, and emerging business trends. The manager also serves as a central point of contact for assigned offices and builds relationships with partners across practices and with business development and marketing teams across the firm. The position supports practice groups in business development planning and execution, prepares tailored pitches and collateral, maintains deal and client information, researches prospective opportunities, monitors markets and competitors, and supports lateral partner onboarding and strategic planning. It also advances external visibility through events, thought leadership, directory submissions, awards, and promotion of notable matters and lawyer accomplishments. The manager provides mentorship and day-to-day guidance to junior Clients & Markets team members, including Business Development Specialists and Coordinators, and monitors budgets and return on investment. The role calls for professionalism, strong client service, clear communication, collaboration, and a positive, solution-oriented approach. The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule. WilmerHale describes itself as a values-driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect.

Requirements

Strong independent thinking, execution, and mature professional judgment.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing project criteria.
Demonstrable analytic and organizational skills, initiative, and vision.
Superior oral and written communication skills, including professional presentation abilities and strong grammar and proofreading skills.
Experience in a dynamic, high-expectation environment requiring superior client service, attention to detail, and quality.
Ability to build effective working relationships across organizational levels and establish trust and credibility with lawyers and clients.
Ability to thrive in a collegial team, remain flexible, pursue continuous improvement, and collaborate and support colleagues as needed.
At least three years of demonstrated people management experience.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
Openness to technological change, including generative AI, and ability to adapt work practices to support efficiency and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Eight to ten years of experience in a legal environment or professional services marketing and business development role preferred.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, Foundation, PitchBook, ON24, and InterAction preferred.
Knowledge of corporate practice areas and deal types, including M&A, Private Equity, Capital Markets/Debt Finance, and Venture Capital, is a plus.
Knowledge of industries including financial services, life sciences, and technology is a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with practice groups to implement business development projects and initiatives supporting new business goals.
Develop pitches, presentations, proposals, marketing collateral, practice descriptions, fact sheets, lawyer biographies, and deal lists tailored to client and prospect needs.
Provide strategic advice to lawyers preparing to approach potential clients or expand existing relationships.
Build trusted-advisor relationships with partners in the Transactional Department and assigned offices.
Maintain the Foundation experience and content management database for corporate deals and representative matters, oversee league-table reporting, and maintain client data and mailing lists in InterAction.
Use business intelligence, research, and business development tools to identify new-work opportunities for existing clients and connect firm capabilities to revenue opportunities.
Analyze information on existing and prospective clients to support customized pitches, presentations, and proposals.
Monitor industry, sector, market, and competitor trends to identify business development opportunities.
Lead aspects of lateral partner onboarding and practice group strategic planning, including planned corporate practice growth and expansion.
Monitor competitors, news intelligence, and market data to identify opportunities to increase practice visibility through events, presentations, speaking opportunities, articles, and publications.
Manage relationships with external organizations that provide thought leadership and market visibility opportunities, and advocate for firm inclusion and recognition.
Oversee firm events, including seminars, webinars, client entertainment, and receptions; evaluate and recommend sponsorships and memberships in assigned offices.
Manage legal directory and award submissions, including Chambers USA and Legal 500, and improve submission strategy and quality.
Collaborate with Clients & Markets colleagues to identify and promote deals, matters, client news, and lawyer and practice highlights.
Mentor, train, and guide junior members of the Clients & Markets Department.
Serve as a day-to-day contact for Business Development Specialists and Coordinators, answer questions, review work, provide feedback, and assign projects based on workloads, goals, and expertise.
Monitor practice group business development budgets and evaluate return on investment.
Collaborate with colleagues and other departments to support service excellence.
Assume additional responsibilities as assigned.