Director, Client Development - Private Equity

Goodwin Procter-posted 9 days ago

Full-time • Manager

Hybrid • Washington DC, DC

5,001-10,000 employees

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Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do. Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers. Goodwin is a premier global law firm with a market-leading Private Equity Group (PEG) representing PE firms, their portfolio companies, and other investors across the full investment lifecycle. We provide strategic legal and business counsel on complex transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions, debt finance transactions, and exits. We are seeking a seasoned, senior Client Development (CD) Leader with exceptionally strong leadership skills, the ability to manage a high-performing team, and deep ecosystem relationships within the PEG sector. This individual will be a true partner to firm leadership - working alongside practice group leaders and attorneys as an equal voice in go-to-market strategy. They will be responsible for driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and furthering Goodwin’s position as the go-to law firm for PE firms, investors, portfolio companies and industry stakeholders. This role is ideal for a strategic, results-oriented leader with deep knowledge of legal services in private equity, strong commercial acumen, and proven leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to shape and execute growth strategies. We are seeking someone who can operate as a trusted advisor to attorneys, effectively navigate the firm’s matrixed structure, and is willing to roll up their sleeves to identify and convert client opportunities.

Work with PEG leadership to shape and execute go-to-market priorities and plans that drive profitable revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and deepen client relationships.
Direct competitive intelligence efforts, including market research and industry trend analysis, to inform business development strategies and client targeting.
Stays abreast with latest industry news to opportunistically identify areas of connection and growth.
Lead the creation and implementation of tailored client development plans targeting key private equity markets, clients, sub-practice areas bases on emerging industry trends.
Take a proactive, hands-on approach in collaborating with partners and the team to produce high-quality pursuit and pitch responses. These should be anchored in a deep understanding of the client’s business, priorities, and requested scope, supported by research and a clear articulation of our qualifications that truly differentiate us for the opportunity.
Collaborate with broader client development team and Global Operations (GO) team to drive client and market impact, including knowledge management to convert out proprietary data into insights for driving thought leadership, communications and PR teams to elevate Goodwin’s brand positioning in the sector, and client value to collaborate on effective fee arrangements.
Contribute to the development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns and brand initiatives aligned with practice growth objectives, including participation in high-profile industry events, sponsorships, and alliances. Leverage this opportunity to build differentiating marketing collateral.
Foster cross-practice collaboration to position Goodwin as the premier law firm for private equity sponsors across all stages of growth.
Oversee the business development budget, ensuring alignment with firmwide growth priorities across markets, clients, and sub-practice areas, with a clear focus on ROI.
Manage the preparation of high-quality directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers) to strengthen market visibility and enhance the practice’s reputation.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team and foster a collaborative, results-oriented culture ensuring their work aligns with the strategic objectives of the business.
Drive the identification and implementation of scalable, best-in-class processes, systems, and approaches that support the Private Equity group’s growth goals.
Support the successful integration of lateral partners by enabling them to fully leverage Goodwin’s platform to sustain and grow their client relationships.
Leverage firm’s strong industry relationships with private equity executives, investors, and key stakeholders to facilitate client introductions, deepen existing client engagement, expand the firm’s market presence, and uncover new business opportunities.

15+ years of client development experience, preferably within AmLaw 25 or scaled professional services firm.
Proven track record in shaping and executing go-to-market strategies that elevate firm positioning and drive market share in the private equity sector.
Prior experience building and managing a high-performing, collaborative, and proactive business development team, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
Experience building scalable, cross-functional programs and solutions that integrate client and client & market intelligence, marketing, communications, and client service.
Deep understanding of the private equity ecosystem, including deal structures, investment strategies, and the business drivers for PE firms, portfolio companies, and investors.
Familiarity with the regulatory, financial, and operational nuances unique to private equity transactions and associated implications for business development for legal services.
Advanced skills in building, maintaining, and leveraging high-value relationships with PE executives, investors, and industry stakeholders.
Executive presence to interact, engage, and influence senior firm-wide stakeholders.
Expertise in designing and executing client development approaches tailored to complex, relationship-driven environments.
Analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret market data, competitive intelligence, and client insights to shape growth opportunities and overall strategy.
Deep private equity relationships and credibility within the private equity sector, enabling direct access to key decision-makers.
Exceptional team management skills, with experience leading and mentoring business development professionals in a fast-paced, complex, matrixed environment.
Excellent executive communication skills—able to present complex ideas in a clear, persuasive, and actionable manner.
Results-driven, strategic thinker with a track record of successfully developing and implementing business development initiatives that drive revenue growth.
Knowledge of best practices in business development operations, including budgeting, process optimization, and technology adoption (e.g., CRM, Experience databases, analytics platforms).Experience implementing scalable systems and processes to support growth.
Travel as required for client meetings, industry events, and cross-office collaboration.

Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life and disability insurance
Retirement & Savings Plan
Emergency back-up child and adult care
Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays
Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Employee recognition and reward programs
Employee wellness and assistance programs
Employee discounts and perks

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