Manager, Client Development - IP Litigation (Tech & Life Sciences Sectors)

Goodwin•Washington, DC

3d•$120,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Client Development – IP Litigation leads business development strategy and execution for Goodwin’s IP Litigation practice, with a focus on the life sciences and technology sectors. This role partners closely with practice and industry leadership to drive high-value pursuits, shape go-to-market initiatives, and strengthen client relationships, while ensuring alignment across Client Development and Client Value functions. The position is responsible for enhancing the coordination, strategic positioning, and overall impact of IP Litigation business development efforts in support of the firm’s growth priorities.

Requirements

Minimum BA, BS, or equivalent degree required.
6+ years of progressive experience in business development, practice management, or marketing within an AmLaw 100 or comparable professional services environment, ideally supporting IP litigation, patent litigation, or broader dispute resolution practices.
Demonstrated experience leading complex RFPs and strategic initiatives.
Prior experience managing or mentoring team members preferred.
Strategic thinker with strong leadership, project management, analytical, and budgeting capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior partners in a complex, fast-paced professional services environment.
Strong executive presence and ability to interact with partners, clients, colleagues, and service providers at the highest professional level.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong editorial judgment.
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously in a matrixed organization.
Strong computer skills including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; experience with InterAction, Microsoft Dynamics, or other CRM systems preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of comprehensive business development plans for the IP Litigation practice, aligning with firmwide growth priorities and key industry strategies, particularly in life sciences and technology.
Serve as a strategic partner to IP Litigation practice leaders, advising on market positioning, client targeting, cross-selling opportunities, and institutional client strategies across core industry sectors.
Oversee and drive high-value pitches and RFP responses, coordinating across the Client Development team and with the Client Value team to develop competitive fee proposals, alternative fee arrangements, and differentiated value propositions.
Direct and manage client relationship-building initiatives designed to institutionalize key IP Litigation clients and expand revenue opportunities across strategic industry verticals.
Provide structured reporting and analysis of business development performance, including pipeline activity, win/loss ratios, referral sources, return on event investments, and overall initiative effectiveness.
Lead cross-practice and cross-geography business development initiatives, including client team programs, strategic account planning, and industry-aligned campaigns that support IP Litigation growth.
Oversee competitive intelligence efforts in collaboration with the Market & Competitive Intelligence team, monitoring competitor IP Litigation activity, rankings performance, and strategic positioning in core markets and sectors.
Manage integration and onboarding strategies for lateral partners and senior hires within IP Litigation, ensuring alignment of business development priorities and client outreach.
Identify, prioritize, and manage key organizations, sponsorships, conferences, and industry events aligned with IP Litigation growth strategies and the practice’s core industry focus.
Oversee development and management of budgets related to IP Litigation marketing memberships, sponsorships, hosted events, and strategic initiatives.
Supervise event strategy and execution, including contract negotiation, benefit maximization, invitee targeting, relationship mapping, and post-event ROI analysis.
Ensure IP Litigation practice descriptions, credentials, experience materials, and web content are strategically positioned, current, and aligned with industry messaging in coordination across the Client Development team.
Oversee matter tracking and experience management processes to ensure accurate and timely capture of IP Litigation representations for proposals, pitches, and ranking submissions.
Lead the strategy, review, and submission of rankings, league tables, and industry recognitions in partnership across the Client Development and Communications teams.
Coach and advise partners on personal business development strategies and accountability, driving measurable outcomes and strategic execution.
Partner with Communications leaders to shape public relations and thought leadership strategies that enhance the visibility and market reputation of the IP Litigation practice and its industry strengths.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction across the Client Development team supporting IP Litigation initiatives.
Drive operational efficiencies, process improvements, and best practices across IP Litigation business development activities.