Chief Business Development Officer (Law Firm)

Join our client, a Am Law 100, as the Chief Business Development Officer (CBO) to lead the firm’s business development initiatives, focusing on organic growth, lead generation, sales enablement, marketing, client acquisition, and market expansion. This role is responsible for driving revenue growth and reinforcing our position as an industry leader. This role is central to identifying new business opportunities and cultivating long-term relationships with key clients and prospects. The CBO will work closely with the firm leadership to develop and implement business development strategies that align with the firm’s overall vision and goals, ensuring sustainable growth in a competitive legal market. 

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive business development strategy to achieve the firm’s revenue goals and market positioning objectives. 
• Partner with firm leadership to identify new business opportunities, expand existing client relationships, and diversify the firm’s service offerings. 
• Leverage AI, technology, including CRM systems, data analytics tools, and marketing automation platforms, to drive business development success. 
• Partner with Strategic Business Unit Leaders by industry group, Client Relationship Managers, Equity Partners, and Client Services team to identify and pursue new business opportunities, ensuring alignment with the firm’s vision and strategic priorities. 
• Partner with the revenue operations and client services team to ensure successful implementation of new clients as well as support proliferation efforts, as needed 
• Spearhead initiatives to identify and pursue new clients, industries, and markets. 
• Lead the preparation and delivery of pitches, proposals, and presentations to prospective clients. 
• Establish strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers in target markets. 
• Collaborate with Strategic Business Unit Leaders by industry group and Client Relationship Managers to identify proliferation/cross-selling opportunities and integrate services across practice areas. 
• Analyze market trends, competitor strategies, and client needs to develop effective business development approaches. 
• Monitor and report on industry developments, emerging markets, and competitive landscape, providing strategic insights to firm leadership. 
• Utilize data and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of business development campaigns and adjust strategies as needed. 
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Sales and Marketing teams, ensuring alignment with the firm’s growth objectives. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration across the firm to support business development efforts across industry, practice areas and geographies. 
• Partner with the People team to support attorneys and staff in business development practices and techniques, ensuring firm-wide engagement in growth efforts. 
• Develop sales and marketing lead generation strategy to ensure consistent and effective messaging across all communications platforms, including the firm’s website, social media, and thought leadership initiatives. 
• Represent the firm at key industry events, conferences, and client meetings, positioning the firm as a leader in its practice areas. 
• Develop and oversee the creation of sales and marketing content, such as case studies, client success stories, and white papers, to support the firm’s reputation-building efforts. 
• Establish performance metrics and benchmarks for business development activities, tracking progress toward established goals. 
• Manage sales and marketing budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and ROI-driven decision-making. 
• Continuously evaluate and refine business development processes and systems to increase efficiency and effectiveness. 
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging the exploration of new technologies and strategies to improve business development efforts. 
• Perform other reasonable tasks requested by the firm’s leadership team. 

• Lead and mentor the Business Development and Marketing teams, setting clear objectives and performance expectations to align with firm growth goals. 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by providing ongoing training, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members. 
• Monitor team performance against key metrics, providing constructive feedback and ensuring accountability for business development goals. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with practice group leaders, senior attorneys, and other departments to align business development strategies with firm-wide initiatives. 
• Manage external partnerships and vendor relationships, ensuring effective collaboration with third-party consultants, agencies, or service providers. 

• The employee may be required to be stationary for prolonged periods, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary, be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time, and, on occasion, have the ability to lift and carry 25-35 pounds. 
• The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position.  If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR. 

• Ability to deliver superior service to all internal and external customers and communicate effectively. 
• Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required. 
• Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time-management and prioritization skills required. 
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands. 
• Ability to produce acceptable amount of work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product. 
• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times by making sound and practical decisions; ability to assume responsibility for decisions and act decisively under deadlines. 
• High level of professional integrity required; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust. 
• Ability to lead and motivate the work of others; when applicable, ability to successfully manage direct report(s), including performance evaluation, goal-setting, employee development and problem-solving. 

• 4-year degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred. 
• 15 years in revenue-generation roles, with a strong track record in professional services, AMLaw 100, or Legal Process Outsourcing or adjacent industries. 
• Extensive experience in developing and executing business development strategies, including new client acquisition, market expansion, and revenue growth. 
• Proven leadership skills, including experience managing and developing sales teams. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with firm leadership, practice group leaders, and attorneys to align business development efforts with firm priorities. 
• Highly self-motivated and goal-oriented, with the ability to drive business development initiatives independently. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and navigate complex business challenges in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a drive to automate and innovate processes. 
• Business Development certifications or other related professional credentials are preferred. 
• Ability to work after hours, as needed. 
• Ability to travel to other offices and events, as needed. 
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; knowledge of all MS Office products strongly preferred.