Client Events Manager

Morrison & Foerster, LLP•San Francisco, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Client Events Manager works in a fast-paced, partner-driven environment as a lead advisor for complex, high-visibility events while supporting the broader Client Events portfolio. The role is accountable for event strategy, execution quality, budget stewardship, and stakeholder confidence, and helps scale the Firm’s events capability through mentorship, process development, and cross-functional partnership. It involves independent decision-making and event ownership, in close partnership with Marketing and Client Events leadership on firmwide priorities and marquee programs. The Manager leads end-to-end planning and execution of client events across all offices, including large-scale programs, CLE seminars, private dinners, and receptions. This includes event strategy and concept development, logistics, venue selection, vendor negotiations, budget and timeline management, invitation and RSVP workflows, on-site execution, and post-event analysis. The role advises attorneys, practice leadership, and Marketing colleagues; aligns events with business development goals; measures engagement and ROI; serves as an escalation point during live events; mentors junior colleagues; and develops processes, tools, templates, and best practices. The position is based in San Francisco, with estimated annual travel of 10–15% and flexibility to work outside normal business hours and on weekends as event schedules require.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
At least 7 years of progressive event management experience.
Proven ability to lead complex, high-visibility events from concept through execution and independently manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.
Experience leading or supervising a team and providing direction, feedback, and support to direct reports.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to advise and build trust with attorneys, partners, and senior stakeholders.
Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail across logistics, communications, and execution.
Strong troubleshooting abilities and sound judgment under pressure.
Ability to assess risk, make confident decisions in high-pressure situations, and serve as an effective escalation point during live events.
Experience mentoring or developing junior team members, with a record of building team capability and fostering collaboration.
Proficiency in event-related technology.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of firm information.
Flexibility to work outside normal business hours and during weekends as required by event schedules.

Nice To Haves

Law firm or professional services background.
Prior Salesforce experience.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of client events across all offices, including large-scale programs, CLE seminars, private dinners, and receptions.
Manage event logistics, venue selection, vendor negotiations, and on-site execution.
Advise attorneys, practice leadership, and Marketing colleagues on event strategy, format, audience, investment, and execution approach.
Develop event concepts and agendas aligned with practice group priorities and firmwide business development goals.
Build and manage event budgets and timelines, including detailed run-of-show documents, while overseeing multiple concurrent events.
Serve as the escalation point during live events and resolve issues in real time.
Lead post-event analysis, including ROI measurement and stakeholder feedback, to drive continuous improvement.
Partner with Marketing and Business Development teams to align events with strategic objectives.
Manage invitation workflows, RSVP tracking, follow-up communications, and Salesforce campaign maintenance.
Mentor and coach junior team members on judgment, stakeholder management, and execution excellence.
Contribute to workload prioritization across the Client Events team.
Develop team processes, tools, templates, and best practices to scale event capabilities and maintain consistency and quality.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package starting on the first day.
Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage options.
Parental leave and family benefits, including adoption and fertility treatment options and backup child and elder care.
Global wellness program, including free access to Talkspace and Calm apps.
Annual community service day.
Birthday holiday.
Annual education reimbursement.
Dedicated Talent Development team.
Competitive annual profit-sharing contribution.
Potential discretionary bonus, overtime as applicable, health and welfare benefits, retirement contributions, paid holidays, and PTO.