Associate Director, Client Development

About the role

This role is a high-impact opportunity to partner with senior attorneys and Client Development & Engagement leaders to showcase the Firm’s experience, deepen client relationships, and support the strategic growth of the Chicago office. You join a dynamic team that values initiative, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Client Development & Engagement lead for the Family Office practice globally and for Private Equity, Funds, and related practices across the Chicago office in coordination with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide.
• Advise partners on client development strategies, market trends, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities across relevant practices, in close coordination with the CDE Directors who lead these practice groups Firm-wide.
• Support the integration of Family Office, Private Equity, Funds, Exempt Organizations and Personal Planning, Regulatory, M&A, Tax, ECEB, and related practices into a cohesive family office offering.
• Anticipate and proactively address the business development and client engagement needs of Chicago office leadership, partnering across relevant practices in the Chicago office.
• Lead the development of strategic pitches, proposals, and responses to RFPs for Family Office and related specialist areas, exercising judgment on positioning, messaging, and prioritization.
• Lead the development of Firm-sponsored events and presentations and oversee event logistics (e.g., invitation formatting, contract review, budget planning, RSVP management, and follow-up assistance).
• Partner with attorneys to develop tailored client strategies, related plans, and opportunity pipelines.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation and management of directory submissions and survey responses for legal and business directories and publications relevant to Family Office and Chicago focus areas.
• Provide strategic guidance on client-facing materials, ensuring alignment with Firm priorities and consistent articulation of capabilities.
• Work with CDE team members to accurately maintain the Firm’s engagement database and relevant experience across all channels, as well as other operations and systems.
• Oversee research and analysis related to clients, prospects, competitors, and industry trends impacting family offices, translating complex market and regulatory developments into actionable insights for relevant practices.
• Exercise discretion and prioritization in managing demand, ensuring focus on high-value, strategic work.
• Build and develop the Chicago CDE team over time, establishing the infrastructure, talent, and culture needed to support the Firm’s Chicago office.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and oversight to junior Client Development & Engagement team members supporting Family Office, Private Equity, Funds, Exempt Organizations and Personal Planning, Regulatory, Tax, ECEB, and related practices in the Chicago office.
• Model senior-level judgment, accountability, and partnership with attorneys and internal stakeholders.
• Work with stakeholders in other departments and offices as needed.
• Support Transactional Client Development projects and other Firm initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• JD or MBA preferred
• Major in advertising, marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field preferred
• 11+ years of relevant business experience
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute strategic business development plans, rather than focusing solely on tactical execution
• Experience partnering directly with senior lawyers and practice leadership as a trusted advisor
• Strong attention to detail and self-motivation to produce accurate, timely, and complete work products
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong project management skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Able to leverage institutional knowledge in one’s own work
• Active use of AI tools and technologies to drive efficiency, insight generation, and innovation in the role
• Demonstrated knowledge of the full range of business development skills
• Proficiency in MS Office programs such as Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Able to be flexible and willing to work outside of business hours as needed