Business Development Manager, Intellectual Property

Department: Marketing/Communications

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

Under the direction of the Senior Director and Senior Manager, the Business Development Manager (BDM) will play a key role in supporting the Intellectual Property (IP) practice. As a valued member of the Business Development and Marketing team, the BDM will collaborate closely with IP practice leadership, industry teams, attorneys, and marketing professionals to drive strategic growth initiatives, strengthen client relationships, and enhance the firm's market presence.

The BDM will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive business development plans, identifying opportunities to expand existing client relationships, and pursuing new business opportunities. This role will also support efforts to elevate the firm's brand and reputation, ensuring alignment with broader departmental and firmwide strategic objectives.

Success in this position requires a proactive, resilient, and results-oriented professional who can think strategically, execute effectively, and build strong partnerships across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a collaborative and consultative approach, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the office.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Business Development Manager within our Business Development team , you will:

• Work with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders, to create and implement strategic business development plans and promote the firm’s services while understanding, addressing, and aligning our efforts with targets and clients’ objectives.

• Develop and maintain a rolling pipeline, which tracks targets, opportunities, and progress updates to help attorneys achieve goals.
• Provide business development coaching in group and one-on-one settings and supports lawyers in the development of their individual attorney business development plans.
• Manage and drive follow-up on assigned business development initiatives and coordinate business development efforts across practices and industries.
• Provide IP content and positioning for pitch materials, proposals, and RFP responses, and occasionally lead proposal responses.
• In collaboration with the client events and communications teams, oversee the strategy and development of events, sponsorships and other marketing/communications activities.

• Build relationships with key organizations as a market-facing resource and ambassador for the firm.

What We’re Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning and problem-solving.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.

• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Experience:

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of legal marketing experience, with prior law firm experience required. Experience supporting Intellectual Property or similar practice groups is strongly preferred. Candidates should demonstrate exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, along with strong project management, interpersonal, and analytical abilities. Proficiency with CRM platforms, marketing databases, and other business development technologies is essential. The successful candidate will have a strong business acumen, a client-focused mindset, and a proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with attorneys, clients, and internal stakeholders. The ability to manage multiple priorities, meet competing deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment is critical. A strong work ethic, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering high-quality service are indispensable. Some travel may be required. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the role, as is the flexibility to work beyond standard business hours when needed to meet business demands.

The targeted salary range for this position is from $145,000 – $165,000, which reflects the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.