Los Angeles - Associate Director of Client Development, Industries & Markets

About the Role

Winston & Strawn is seeking an Associate Director of Client Development to support the firm’s Industries & Markets strategy. This role will partner closely with industry leaders, practice group leadership, and firm management to drive coordinated, market-facing growth initiatives across priority sectors and geographies. The Associate Director will play a critical role in translating firm strategy into actionable business development plans, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the firm as a leader in targeted industries and markets.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of how sophisticated clients buy legal services, experience operating in a matrixed law firm environment, and the credibility to work effectively with senior partners and firm leadership.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Management
  • Lead the industries and markets vertical within the client development team and own line management, oversight of workflows and outputs, and expectation and goal setting for team members.
  • Create synergies across additional client development verticals and share best practices to strategically grow the department’s approach to scaling and expanding client relationships.
  • Identify and nurture growth opportunities for team members, setting stretch goals and ensuring roles are consistently monitored for performance management and talent gaps.
• Industry & Market Strategy
  • Serve as the senior business development advisor to connect across industry groups and market teams.
  • Partner with industry and market leaders to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with firmwide growth priorities.
  • Conduct market, client, and competitive analyses to identify opportunities for expansion, client penetration, and differentiation within priority industries and geographies.
• Client Development & Relationship Management
  • Support team members in developing and implementing account plans for key industry and market-aligned clients.
  • Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships through cross-practice collaboration and integrated client solutions.
  • Oversee preparation of client briefings, relationship reviews, and market intelligence to inform partner outreach and engagement strategies.
• Pitches, Proposals & Business Opportunities
  • Oversee team leading and managing pitches, proposals, and RFPs tied to industry and market initiatives, ensuring strategic positioning and high-quality execution.
  • Work closely with partners to articulate compelling value propositions, relevant experience, and sector-specific insights tailored to client needs.
  • Coordinate with pricing, finance, knowledge management, communications, and marketing teams to support opportunity development.
• Thought Leadership & Market Positioning
  • Oversee team collaborating with industry leaders and communications colleagues to identify and promote thought leadership, speaking engagements, client programs, and sponsorships aligned with priority sectors.
  • Drive the development of industry-focused marketing content and campaigns that enhance the firm’s visibility and credibility in the market.
• Data, Reporting & Infrastructure
  • Leverage CRM and related systems to track opportunities, client activity, and industry initiatives.
  • Analyze performance metrics, pipeline data, and market trends to assess effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments.
  • Contribute to reporting for firm leadership on industry and market business development efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or similar) a plus.
• 8+ years of progressive business development or marketing experience in a large law firm or professional services organization.
• Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience supporting industry-focused or market-based growth strategies.
• Strong understanding of client buying behavior, industry dynamics, and competitive positioning in the legal or professional services market.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, client-focused messaging for senior audiences.
• Proven ability to manage complex initiatives, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
• Relationship management and influence.
• Data-driven decision making.
• Executive presence and confidence with partners.
• Collaboration across teams and offices.

Benefits

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families.

Pay

Illinois applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $207,000-$237,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data, and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

Los Angeles & Washington, DC applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $217,000-$248,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data, and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

New York applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $227,000-$260,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data, and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

Schedule

This role requires the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.