Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager - Global M&A Practice

We are seeking a driven and experienced Business Development Manager to play a pivotal role in growing our global M&A practice and related corporate groups. Leveraging your 5 years of experience in a law firm or financial institution, including prior success in business development at a top-tier law firm, you will collaborate closely with partners to drive new business and enhance the Firm's market position. Your exceptional executive-level communication skills will be crucial in this high-impact role.

What You'll Do:

• Drive Practice Growth: Partner with lawyers to cultivate existing relationships and forge new connections with key stakeholders (in-house counsel, investment bankers, board members, etc.), identifying and implementing strategic business development initiatives.
• Strategic Oversight: Support the Director of Business Development in the global strategy for the M&A practice and related areas (Corporate Governance, Executive Compensation, Real Estate), ensuring consistent positioning across all channels.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Work with partners, Communications, Digital Marketing, and others to develop and execute impactful marketing and business development initiatives, leveraging your research, writing, and communication skills.
• Team Leadership: Oversee and mentor a Senior Analyst and a Coordinator in their support of all business development efforts.
• Client Engagement: Develop compelling presentations (pitch books, brochures, deal sheets) that clearly articulate our value proposition and relevant experience. Support Legal Panel and RFP responses.
• Market Intelligence: Track referral sources, maintain CRM data for insightful analysis, and identify relevant transactional precedents and key messaging. Analyze pitch outcomes to implement best practices.
• Marketing Materials: Ensure timely updates to all marketing collateral (practice descriptions, lawyer bios) with new achievements and deal information.
• Business Planning: Collaborate with partners on individual business plans, helping them prioritize high-value opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: Lead ongoing competitive intelligence research, identifying and communicating market trends.
• Event Management: Partner with the Events team to develop impactful client programs and identify strategic sponsorship opportunities.
• Rankings & Recognition: Collaborate with Communications to pursue relevant directory (e.g., Chambers) and award submissions, and ensure positive results are amplified across channels.
• Visibility Program: Coordinate with Communications and Digital Marketing on internal and external communications, website content, and social media presence.
• Knowledge Management: Oversee league table submissions and the M&A experience database, ensuring accurate and compelling matter descriptions. Support precedent collection efforts.
• Information Security: Adhere to all Firm policies regarding the maintenance and protection of Firm and client information.

What You'll Bring:

• 5 years of business development experience within an investment bank, financial institution, or law firm.
• Proven experience communicating effectively at the Executive/Partner level.
• Bachelor's degree required; JD, MBA, or other relevant graduate degree preferred.
• Prior business development experience at a top-tier US law firm is essential.
• Strong understanding of transactional and basic litigation terminology and processes.
• Familiarity with the competitive legal market and a strategic vision for marketing the Firm.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve goals independently.
• Exceptional writing, editing, analytical, research, and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail (writing test required).
• Proficiency in standard office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and familiarity with CRM systems and online research tools.
• Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive requests in a fast-paced environment with excellent interpersonal and professional skills.
• Commitment to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism.