Business Development Manager (MEPTA)

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP•Washington, DC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to work for one of the top law firms in the U.S.! Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is looking for a Business Development Manager to join their team in Seattle, Los Angeles, Culver City, New York or Washington D.C. offices. The firm offers a hybrid work engagement with two days of remote work, and three days in-office. The Business Development Manager for DWT’s Media, Entertainment, Patent, Trademark & Advertising (“MEPTA”) Practice Group supports the business development (“BD”) initiatives of the firm’s MEPTA practice group. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, this individual serves as a strategic advisor to practice group leaders and partners, helping to drive client development strategies and coordinate marketing efforts. The BD Manager will oversee and mentor the MEPTA Business Development Specialist and collaborate closely with lawyers, marketing colleagues, and other business professionals to support the BD needs of the group. This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, a client-service mindset, and the flexibility to respond to changing priorities and business needs. At Davis Wright Tremaine, you will find challenging assignments, opportunities for professional growth and community involvement, and a culture of inclusion, fostering inclusiveness and authenticity where everyone has a voice and unparalleled support.

Requirements

Minimum of 4+ years of experience in business development or marketing within a law firm or professional services firm.
Demonstrated experience supporting partners or practice groups in client development activities is required.
Ability to establish credibility with legal personnel at all levels of the firm.
Demonstrates an effective mix of confidence, tact, patience, and persistence.
Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to understand the firm’s mission and business priorities, practice activities, and related market dynamics.
Commitment to client service.
Excellent organizational, communication, and writing skills.
Flexibility and resourcefulness, with a solutions-oriented approach.
Strong multitasking and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with client relationship management databases (e.g., DealCloud, Foundation, InterAction, or similar), as well as experience using research tools and analyzing market and client data to inform strategic decisions.
Demonstrated initiative and strong follow-through on projects, with the ability to think creatively.
Proven ability to identify, develop, and implement best practices that expand cross-selling opportunities and support strong realization.
Ability to work independently and enhance communications within and across practice groups, offices, and management.
Ability to drive BD efforts and maintain momentum from planning through execution.
Ability to work closely and collaborate with the Practice Management and Marketing Teams, outside vendors and consultants, and other business professionals.
Some travel may be required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with intellectual property, patent litigation, or other litigation practices is strongly preferred.
At least 1 year of leadership, supervisory, or management experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop a deep understanding of the MEPTA practice group, including services, expertise, clients, and competitors; develop a working understanding of the firm’s practice areas; and serve as a firmwide connector who helps lawyers network with each other.
Lead the development of pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client presentations for the MEPTA practice group.
Support MEPTA lawyers in client relationship development efforts, including preparation for client meetings, follow-up from events, and identifying opportunities to expand work with new and existing clients.
Collaborate with the Events Team to plan, execute, and follow up on events, webinars, seminars, and conference sponsorships.
Conduct and monitor client, prospect, market, industry, and competitive trends for MEPTA’s practice areas and translate insights into actionable plans, such as targeting new industries or cross-selling opportunities with other practice groups.
Manage and draft submissions to legal directories and industry awards (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, WTR, IAM Patent, and other industry- and practice-based awards) for the MEPTA practice group.
Collaborate with the Marketing Team to develop external marketing collateral and update content on the firm’s website.
Manage and maintain key practice group information (experience, client profiles, market intelligence, and contact lists) and leverage the firm’s CRM and experience management systems by proactively soliciting and tracking contacts, activities, and experience.
Supervise and mentor the BD Specialist.
Build strong business relationships with lawyers throughout the firm.
Support and collaborate with other business services teams, as appropriate.
Support the BD team with ad hoc tasks, as needed.