Business Development Manager - Litigation

This role serves as a dedicated liaison to one or more practice groups within the Global Litigation Practice, working directly with group leaders and partners to develop and execute business strategies and marketing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Practice and Client Development
  • Consult with practice/industry leaders and partners on marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers.
  • Attend and contribute to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessions.
  • Track and analyze practice initiatives and their impact on the practice’s budget, evaluating ROI to determine repeatability.
  • Identify and recommend business development opportunities and trends using data analytics, competitive intelligence, and market analyses.
  • Evaluate business prospects and cross-marketing efforts, providing recommendations to practice/industry leaders.
  • Manage, develop, and refine business development processes and infrastructure (e.g., written collateral, experience databases, contact lists, opportunity tracking).
  • Maintain quality control to ensure all marketing collateral, communications, and thought leadership content are consistent, error-free, and up to date.
  • Coordinate with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry and client research for practice development.
  • Facilitate planning, implementation, and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities.
• Proposals and Pitches
  • Serve as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches for primary practices and other groups as needed.
  • Spearhead briefing discussions to propose or understand opportunities.
  • Write new business proposals and produce targeted, tailored responses to RFIs/RFPs.
  • Advise in preparing and rehearsing pitch teams.
  • Support follow-up and debrief activities post-pitch, reporting back to Firm leaders.
• Other Marketing and Profile-raising Activities
  • Lead preparation of submissions for practice/industry rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other ratings.
  • Work with Regional Marketing teams to shape Sidley-hosted or sponsored programs and events.
  • Coordinate with the Communications team on PR opportunities.
  • Recommend and facilitate Firm lawyers’ involvement in professional organizations to enhance visibility.
• Practice and Operations Management
  • Assist with practice/industry team meeting planning, including formulating agendas and developing engaging content.
  • Coordinate budgets for the practice/industry group.
  • Support agenda development and coordination of Business Development and Marketing team meetings.
• Employee Management
  • Participate in hiring, managing, and developing junior team members.
  • Oversee daily operations and review staff work.
  • Manage professional development, including goal setting, coaching, and training.
  • Prepare annual performance appraisals and provide timely feedback on performance.

Requirements

• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in marketing, communication, business/finance, or a related field.
• Excellent writing, proofreading, and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional marketing or business development experience in a law firm or other professional services organization.
• Experience and knowledge of the business/legal landscape in securitization and leveraged finance.
• Supervisory, managerial, and/or project management experience.
• M.B.A. or J.D. is a considerable plus.
• Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, OnePlace, and/or Foundation.
• Familiarity with company/market research tools and league tables such as CapitalIQ, Mergermarket, Bloomberg, Refinitiv, etc.

Skills

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Strong attention to detail and good judgment.
• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Able to work under pressure.

Pay

The target salary range for this role is $140,000 - $190,000 if located in Illinois, New York, or Washington D.C. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including market conditions, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. The compensation package also includes bonus eligibility.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.