Manager, West Coast Events

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. Established in 1884, the Firm has approximately 2,000 lawyers across offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Dallas, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. The Client Development & Engagement (CDE) function drives the Firm’s growth strategy, integrating business development, marketing, events, and communications to support high-impact initiatives such as pitches, RFPs, strategic marketing, and practice-level business development.

About the role

The Manager, West Coast Events supports the Firm’s business development initiatives by executing high-quality, engaging events and other assignments while providing outstanding client service in a fast-paced environment. This role reports to the Director, Client Development & Engagement (Los Angeles) with a dotted line to the Director of Events (New York) and collaborates across departments to maintain the Firm’s high standards of excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of Firm-sponsored events, including regional events of all sizes and formats, from planning and development to execution and post-event follow-up, in collaboration with Client Development & Engagement, Events, Los Angeles and Bay Area Administration, Legal Recruiting, and other key stakeholders. Events may include practice group events, office events, partner events, recruiting events, and client-related events.
• Keep abreast of industry activity and introduce innovative ideas to support the Firm’s strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses and approvals, review and process invoices, and conduct post-event reconciliation and ROI analysis.
• Oversee and provide logistical event support, including venue and vendor research, site inspections, contract negotiations, invitation design, invitation list development and mailings, menu selection, décor, staffing, and promotional items.
• Establish event protocol to ensure an exceptional standard of delivery, service, and attention to detail.
• Optimize the event planning process by leveraging new event technology, improving attendee experience, analyzing event success, and identifying creative and cost-effective approaches.
• Negotiate contracts for venues, caterers, and other vendors, working closely with the Firm’s internal contract review team to ensure compliance.
• Partner with colleagues in Events, Client Development & Engagement, Legal Talent, Legal Recruiting, and Los Angeles and Bay Area Administration to monitor event progress and ensure objectives are met.
• Serve as a liaison between the Office of General Counsel, internal stakeholders, and third parties to ensure a seamless contracting process for venues, caterers, and vendors by maintaining version control, monitoring deadlines, and facilitating clear communication.
• Establish and cultivate relationships with restaurants, caterers, hotels, and other event-related service providers, staying informed about new openings, closures, and rating changes.
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of the Firm’s CRM by adding and updating event-related information.
• Coordinate and execute the Los Angeles-based client holiday gifting program in partnership with the Director of Administration and Events teams, including gift selection, sourcing, ordering, delivery, and compliance tracking.
• Support other Firm initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders across departments and offices as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; preferred majors include Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or related fields.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant events management experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong planning, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a demanding environment.
• Attention to detail and self-motivation to produce accurate, timely, and complete work.
• Strong project management skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to make sound decisions and provide solutions or recommendations.
• Ability to build professional relationships through networking, collaboration, and exceptional customer service, diplomacy, and discretion.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with Partners, clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Ability to anticipate information needs and provide exceptional customer service.
• Positive, can-do attitude, professional demeanor, and team-player behavior.
• Ability to quickly develop organizational astuteness and understand the Firm’s culture, vision, policies, and practices.
• Must be able to commute for in-office work a minimum of four days per week.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed and travel as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a professional services office environment.
• Demonstrated experience using a Client Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Pay

For California-based roles, the estimated base salary range for this position is $170,000 to $210,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on factors such as qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications, and location. This role is exempt and not eligible for overtime pay.

Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.