Business Development Senior Specialist - Enforcement and Regulatory

About the role

The Business Development Senior Specialist is a key team member within the Marketing Department, serving as a liaison to assigned practice and/or industry groups. They work directly with BD and Marketing colleagues and partners across offices to develop and execute strategies, business plans, marketing campaigns, client events, sponsorships, and key account activities. The Specialist learns about the service offering, lawyers, and clients of the assigned groups and helps develop initiatives that enhance the groups’ knowledge of client needs and Sidley capabilities to foster cross‑selling.

Responsibilities

• Serve as lead project manager for RFPs and pitches for the assigned groups and others as needed.
• Spearhead briefing discussions to propose and/or understand opportunities.
• Write new business proposals, conduct matter research, and produce tailored responses to RFIs/RFPs.
• Support follow‑up, debrief activities post‑pitch, and report results.
• Support practice/industry team leadership and partners in developing and coordinating marketing and client development plans for the group and individual lawyers.
• Attend and contribute to practice/industry group meetings and planning sessions.
• Develop and refine the group’s business development “infrastructure” (written collateral, experience database/matter lists, contact lists, opportunity tracking, etc.), ensuring quality control, consistency, and up‑to‑date materials.
• Help group leaders prepare and manage the group’s BD budget; track and analyze initiatives, evaluate ROI, and recommend future efforts.
• Coordinate with the Market Intelligence team to conduct industry, client, and competitive research to support practice development.
• Facilitate planning, implementation, and follow‑up of new business or cross‑marketing opportunities.
• Lead drafting and submission of rankings, awards, surveys, league tables, and other recognitions for assigned groups.
• Work with Regional BD and Marketing team members to plan client programs and Sidley‑sponsored events.
• Work with Communications and PR to identify thought‑leadership topics and Sidley lawyers for media commentary, article publication, podcasts, etc.
• Recommend and facilitate the involvement of Firm lawyers in professional organizations that enhance visibility of lawyers and the Firm in relevant practice/industry platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional marketing, business development, or other relevant experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Qualifications

• Preferred marketing, business development, or related experience in a law firm or other professional services organization.
• Working knowledge of customer relationship, pipeline, and experience management databases such as InterAction, Salesforce, and/or Foundation.
• Familiarity with relevant company/market research tools, as well as law firm rankings, awards, and league table publications.

Skills

• Strong organizational 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.
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Benefits

The compensation package includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Detailed benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Pay

The target salary range for this role is $95,000 – $130,000 if located in New York. Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate.