Associate Director, Business Development - Corporate M&A (New York City Metropolitan Area)

We've partnered with an elite global law firm in its search for an Associate Director of Business Development to support its market-leading M&A practice. This is an opportunity to work alongside partners and senior leadership to drive business development strategy, strengthen key client relationships, and help deliver sustainable growth across one of the firm's most high-profile practice areas. As a trusted advisor to partners and practice leaders, you will lead strategic business development initiatives, provide market insight and client intelligence, and help position the practice for continued success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

You will play a key role in developing and executing business development strategies that align with the firm's priorities and growth ambitions. Working closely with partners, industry teams, client teams, and marketing colleagues, you will:

• Lead strategic planning initiatives and client development programs for the Corporate M&A practice.
• Identify new business opportunities through market intelligence, competitive analysis, and client mapping.
• Drive the development of high-profile pitches, proposals, and pursuits, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to deliver compelling client solutions.
• Develop and execute thought leadership and market positioning initiatives that enhance the profile of the practice and its partners.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across practices, industries, and regions to deliver integrated client opportunities.
• Lead major business development projects and initiatives, providing direction, coaching, and support to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across business development activities, ensuring measurable impact and commercial value.

We're looking for a strategic business development professional who can operate confidently at a senior level and influence across a complex, matrixed environment. You'll bring significant business development experience within a professional services environment (ideally within a law firm or legal services setting), deep expertise in client development, pursuit management, strategic planning, and market positioning, and strong commercial acumen with the ability to interpret market trends, client needs, and competitive intelligence to inform growth strategies.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, high-performing team and make a tangible impact on the growth and market position of a leading Corporate M&A practice. Working closely with senior partners, practice leaders, and business services professionals, you'll help shape strategy, influence key decisions, and contribute directly to the firm's success.

Feel free to apply directly or reach out to Nikhita Kumar for further questions!