Business Development Manager - Litigation

About the role

The Business Development Manager will serve as a dedicated liaison to one or more practice groups within the Global Litigation Practice. They work directly with group leaders and other partners to develop and execute strategies and business plans and manage an aligned range of business development and marketing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Practice and Client Development
  • Consults with practice/industry leaders and other partners on development and coordination of marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers.
  • Attends and contributes to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessions.
  • Tracks and analyzes practice initiatives and their impact on the practice’s budget, providing ROI evaluations for past initiatives.
  • Identifies and recommends business development opportunities and trends using data analytics, competitive intelligence, and market analyses.
  • Evaluates business prospects and cross-marketing efforts, making recommendations to practice/industry leaders.
  • Manages and refines processes related to the practice's business development infrastructure (e.g., written collateral, experience database, contact lists, opportunity tracking).
  • Maintains quality control to ensure all marketing collateral, communications, and thought leadership content are consistent, error-free, and up to date.
  • Coordinates with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry and client research for practice development initiatives.
  • Facilitates planning, implementation, and follow-up of new business or cross-marketing opportunities.
• Proposals and Pitches
  • Serves as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches for primary practices and other groups as needed.
  • Spearheads briefing discussions to propose or understand opportunities.
  • Writes new business proposals and produces targeted, tailored responses to RFIs/RFPs.
  • Advises in preparing and rehearsing pitch teams.
  • Supports follow-up and debrief activities post-pitch, reporting back to Firm leaders.
• Other Marketing and Profile-raising Activities
  • Leads preparation of submissions for practice/industry rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other ratings information.
  • Works with Regional Marketing teams to shape Sidley-hosted or sponsored programs and events.
  • Coordinates with the Communications team on PR opportunities.
  • Recommends and facilitates Firm lawyers' involvement in professional organizations to enhance visibility.
• Practice and Operations Management
  • Assists with practice/industry team meeting planning, including formulating agendas and developing engaging content.
  • Assists with coordinating budgets.
  • Supports agenda development and coordination of Business Development and Marketing team meetings.
• Employee Management
  • Participates in hiring, managing, and developing junior team members.
  • Oversees daily operations and reviews staff work.
  • Manages professional development, including goal setting, coaching, and training.
  • Prepares annual performance appraisals and provides 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.
• Good judgment.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical 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 rates, 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.