Business Development Specialist

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier international law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Debevoise clients engage our lawyers for the high degree of quality, strategic focus and creativity we bring to our legal advice. Our talented administrative and legal support staff bring the same commitment to their work, ensuring the firm delivers the highest level of service and a distinctive client experience. We attract and retain highly skilled and dedicated staff by providing a work environment that is diverse, collaborative, respectful and collegial, and where professional growth is encouraged and nurtured. The firm is seeking a Business Development Specialist to become an integral part of our Marketing Department. This is an exempt position and reports to a Senior Business Development Manager. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Serve as primary project lead for select lawyers for all marketing services including events, design, technology, alumni and overall business development support. Manage assigned projects from inception to implementation with clear communication throughout the process to a variety of internal stakeholders, including partners. Produce pitches/RFPs, matter lists and other marketing materials & collateral for potential and existing clients. This includes drafting original content regarding qualifications; drafting and compiling value proposition statements; producing financial proposals, budgets and timelines for opportunities (in collaboration with our Pricing Support colleagues); gathering input from lawyers and other sources of information; project management; providing pitch preparation; and coaching the lawyers on strategy and follow-up. Help lawyers analyze new business opportunities for existing and prospective clients and data - across companies, individuals, markets and competitors - to inform strategy and approach. This includes collaborating with other business development and practice management staff globally to identify cross-selling opportunities. Support lawyers and work closely with practice managers in compiling and disseminating internal group BD updates and priorities, acting as principal BD team contact in these meetings. Handle competitive intelligence exercises for research projects, including identifying potential business development opportunities and synergies with existing activities being conducted throughout the firm. Proactively work with partners to develop ideas for targeted event activities and liaise with relevant marketing services teams to execute. Oversee, and actively engage in, substantive training for junior members of the Business Development team to assist with pitches, new business initiatives and other projects. Work collaboratively with the firm's Communications function to develop content that can inform ongoing proactive prominence-enhancing activities. Manage legal directory and (working alongside Comms team) awards submissions, including drafting and editing submissions, scheduling/prepping for/sitting in interviews, and conducting competitor analyses of key rankings & results. Contribute to matter management and league table processes and content strategy with respect to keeping matter experience data current for purposes of pitches, proposals, lawyer biographies, directory/award submissions and rankings. Requirements: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent is required. Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively with lawyers and staff at all levels within the organization, and from time to time with clients and third parties. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong attention to detail is critical and must be demonstrated. Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Self-starter; ability to work efficiently and effectively as an individual and as a member of a team. Proactive approach and can-do attitude with problem-solving abilities. Ability to work flexibly to accommodate occasional early morning, evening and weekend needs of the lawyers. Advanced skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. InterAction/CRM experience is a plus. Preferred Qualifications: Majors in Business Administration, Political Science, English, History, Finance or other relevant areas preferred. Experience with a business development function within a law firm or professional services organization is preferred. At least 6 years of employment in a law firm/legal services is preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr Debevoise & Plimpton