Practice Development Specialist

Seyfarth Shaw LLP • Chicago, IL

2d • $78,000 - $92,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Seyfarth, we understand that great people are the key to our success, and we provide the opportunities to match. If you join us, you’ll work with state-of-the-art technology in a friendly and professional environment, and we will continue to invest in your professional development. If you want the freedom to grow at a firm that is invested in your future, keep reading.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP is seeking a Practice Development Specialist to support the firm’s Litigation Department and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Department. The Practice Development Team leads the national marketing and business development function for these departments while also supporting department administration, operations, and strategic initiatives.
The Practice Development Specialist reports to the Assistant Director of Practice Development and works collaboratively with the broader Practice Development Team to support designated practice groups within the Litigation and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Departments.
This role combines strategic practice development support with hands-on execution across business planning, profile-raising, client development, and practice operations. The Specialist works closely with Practice Group Leaders and their respective practices, serving as a primary practice development resource for assigned practice areas. The Specialist partners with Practice Group Leaders, Department Chairs, and attorneys across offices to support practice management initiatives, execute marketing and business development strategies, and advance the strategic goals of the practice groups.
The role also serves as a key liaison between practice leadership and the firm’s marketing and business development resources, helping ensure the effective execution of practice group initiatives, client development programs, and department priorities. This individual must be comfortable building credibility with senior attorneys, managing competing priorities, and delivering thoughtful, solutions-oriented support in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 5–7 years of marketing, business development, or professional services experience, preferably within a law firm or other professional services environment.
• Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to draft polished marketing materials and business development content.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize data, track progress against goals, and translate information into actionable recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment, with a proactive, client-service-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with attorneys, Practice Group Leaders, and colleagues across offices and functions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with CRM systems, experience databases, or other marketing technology platforms preferred.
• Curiosity and comfort exploring AI-enabled tools and emerging marketing technologies to enhance marketing and business development workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide practice development support for designated practice groups and specialty teams within the Litigation and Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Departments.
• Work closely with Practice Group Leaders to support practice management initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Assist with practice group business planning, including strategy development, execution, and tracking of key initiatives.
• Draft and maintain Statements of Qualifications (SOQs), pitch materials and other content supporting targeted business development efforts.
• Support league table submissions, industry rankings, and award nominations for designated practices.
• Manage the maintenance of practice group experience in the firm’s experience database, ensuring accurate and comprehensive matter descriptions for use in pitches, proposals, and marketing materials.
• Oversee and coordinate client legal updates, webinars, thought leadership campaigns, and other profile-raising initiatives.
• Support the planning and execution of national conferences, sponsorships, client events, and other market-facing programs.
• Assist with lateral partner onboarding and integration, including experience capture, internal visibility, and marketing integration.
• Manage practice group marketing content, including practice descriptions, credentials, internal communications, and other strategic messaging.
• Provide practice group financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting in coordination with Finance Department and Practice Group leadership.
• Support department initiatives including partner retreats, department summits, leadership programs, and other strategic projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams including communications, events, digital marketing, design, and PR to support practice and department initiatives.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools and marketing technologies to streamline workflows, support research, enhance marketing content development, and improve operational efficiencies.

Benefits

• Seyfarth provides competitive salary and benefits at all levels, and our culture embraces the entrepreneurial spirit of its professionals like no other firm.
• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees