Client Events Manager

About the Firm

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future. We offer exceptional opportunities for our people to work for the world's leading businesses, transform the status quo, and deliver their best work, helping both the individual and their career thrive while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

We provide first-rate training and development, are committed to an inclusive environment, and offer support and ways of working that help optimize wellbeing.

About the Team

The U.S. Marketing & Business Development team (U.S. MKT Team) is a sophisticated group of experienced professionals charged with guiding the Firm's fee earners to grow U.S. and global revenues, expand existing client relationships, and strategically tackle new client pursuits. The team thrives on market challenges and outside-the-box thinking, where fresh ideas are encouraged.

About the Role

The U.S. Client Events Manager is a global opportunity to work for one of the largest law firms in the world, learning the unique approach a truly global firm utilizes toward business development and marketing. This position reports to the Director of Marketing and Business Development Strategy & Operations and works closely with other members of the U.S. MKT team and the A&O Shearman global community.

This role is ideal for an experienced events professional to lead the planning and execution of market-leading events that help achieve the firm's strategic vision.

Responsibilities

• Leads the planning and execution of key firm client events, including client dinners, receptions, hospitality events, conferences, and other programs.
• Oversees all aspects of event management and production, including site selection, contract negotiation, programming, catering, audio-visual requirements, logistics, budget management, invitation creation and attendee lists, and on-site execution.
• Serves as a strategic advisor to partners and business development colleagues on event strategy and format, aligning recommendations to practice and firm goals and expected business value.
• Collaborates with business development colleagues to identify target audiences, manage the invitation process, coordinate logistics, and complete post-event follow-up.
• Develops creative event concepts and client engagement strategies that support business development goals, enhance client relationships, and strengthen the firm's market profile.
• Maintains ownership of event budgets throughout the planning process, ensuring effective allocation of resources and maximizing return on investment.
• Ensures compliance with the firm's risk management and other applicable policies and procedures and manages firm resources responsibly.
• Produces post-event ROI analysis and provides strategic recommendations on event effectiveness by analyzing key insights, budget performance, and attendee metrics.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and support to team members throughout the planning and execution process and serves as a key resource during events.
• Introduces innovative new ideas to contribute to the business's strategic priorities through event marketing.
• Actively monitors competitor activity and new developments in the events industry, including venues and suppliers.
• Performs other related duties as required to support the firm's marketing and business development initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years working in a high-profile, fast-paced environment (legal or professional services experience a plus but not required).
• Demonstrated experience managing event budgets, vendors, and contracts, and successfully delivering multiple events from planning through on-site execution.
• Strong New York venue knowledge preferred.
• High attention to detail and strong client focus, with an exceptional standard of delivery and service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• A self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills, and the ability to prioritize and drive forward multiple projects.
• A culturally astute team player with the ability to work effectively with colleagues from other countries on cross-border activities.
• A critical thinker who challenges established thinking and processes, continually learning and seeking new ideas.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and sound judgment.
• Willingness and enthusiasm to develop an in-depth understanding of the U.S. legal market.
• Flexibility to work additional hours and travel when required.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and experience using event management and CRM tools (Monday.com, Vuture, Dynamics) and virtual event platforms (GlobalMeet), with the ability to learn new software quickly.
• Bachelor's degree required.