Senior Business Development Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Senior Business Development Manager is the primary marketing and business development resource for the firm's Litigation Practice. This position can be based in our New Haven, Hartford or Stamford office. Working closely with the Litigation Practice Leader, partners and the Marketing and Business Development team, this individual is responsible for developing and executing initiatives that strengthen client relationships, support business development efforts, enhance the practice's visibility, and advance its strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will have substantial experience working with litigation practices at a law firm and will serve as a trusted adviser to practice leadership. This individual will help identify growth opportunities, develop and implement business development strategies, support key client and prospect pursuits, and bring creative, practical ideas that help lawyers and the practice achieve their goals. The role requires sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Job Duties

The following are essential job duties and responsibilities of the Senior Business Development Manager. This list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Strategy and Practice Support

• Work closely with the Litigation Practice Leader and partners to develop and implement business development plans that support the practice's goals and growth priorities.
• Serve as the primary marketing and business development resource for the Litigation Practice, advising partners on client development opportunities, visibility initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Help identify opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients, pursue new clients and matters, and strengthen collaboration across practices and industries.
• Provide regular updates to practice leadership on key initiatives, progress and results.
• Assist with annual planning and budgeting for the practice's marketing and business development activities.

Client Development and Business Development Initiatives

• Lead the development of pitches, proposals, RFP responses and presentations for significant litigation opportunities.
• Work with partners to identify and pursue strategic client and prospect opportunities.
• Develop and coordinate client and prospect plans, helping lawyers build stronger relationships and pursue new business opportunities.
• Provide practical coaching and support to lawyers on business development activities, including networking, presentations, client outreach and follow-up.
• Support the successful integration of new litigation partners by helping to develop and implement business development and visibility plans.

Market Intelligence and Practice Growth

• Monitor market trends, client needs, competitor activity and developments affecting the litigation market, and share relevant insights with practice leadership.
• Conduct research on clients, prospects, industries and competitors to support business development efforts and strategic decision-making.
• Help identify emerging opportunities, market trends and areas where the practice can strengthen its position in the marketplace.

Profile Raising and Content Development

• Work with lawyers to develop and promote thought leadership, including articles, client alerts, webinars, speaking engagements and other content.
• Partner with the communications, digital marketing and events teams to increase the visibility of the practice, its lawyers and its successes.
• Lead or coordinate submissions for Chambers, Benchmark Litigation, The Legal 500 and other rankings, awards and recognition programs.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of litigation marketing materials, including matter descriptions, representative experience, biographies, website content and pitch materials.
• Ensure significant litigation matters, achievements and market developments are communicated effectively both internally and externally.

Team and Firm Collaboration

• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm to support client service, business development and practice growth initiatives.
• Work with other practice and industry teams to identify opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration.
• Mentor and support junior marketing and business development team members.
• Help improve processes, data quality and systems that support business development, client relationship management and experience management.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree, preferably in marketing, communications, business, journalism or equivalent experience.

Experience: Minimum of eight years of marketing and business development experience supporting litigation practices in a law firm environment.

Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated success developing and implementing business development initiatives, client programs and strategic growth plans.
• Experience working directly with practice leaders, partners and senior lawyers.
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate research and market information into practical recommendations.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment and excellent relationship-building skills. Positive, collaborative and approachable, with a strong client-service orientation, a can-do attitude and a willingness to roll up one’s sleeves and take ownership of projects large and small. Able to build credibility with lawyers, clients and colleagues across the firm while maintaining professionalism, flexibility and a sense of humor in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring junior professionals and leading cross-functional projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and familiarity with legal marketing and business development technologies, including CRM and experience management systems.
• Ability to travel periodically and work effectively in a hybrid environment.