Senior Manager – Intellectual Property Practice Area Support

THE FIRM

As a leading international law firm, we are dedicated to excellence through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has earned us one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 26 consecutive years. This honor, along with many others, highlights our commitment to innovation and professional development. At Alston & Bird LLP, our foundation is made of trust, reliability, and compassion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Business & Practice Development Senior Manager will lead strategic, operational and practice management initiatives in support of the firm’s Intellectual Property (IP) practice area, including patent prosecution, patent litigation, trademark & copyright, and technology & privacy groups. This role will collaborate closely with attorneys, practice leaders, and firm leadership to drive business development, enhance client service delivery, and support practice growth. The Senior Manager will also play a key role in aligning marketing, business development, and practice operations efforts with the firm’s broader strategic goals, while ensuring the IP practice runs efficiently and effectively.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Lead and mentor a team supporting the IP practice across business development and practice operations.

• Develop and implement strategic plans in partnership with practice leadership to drive growth and client engagement.

• Serve as a liaison between the IP practice and administrative departments to support cross-functional initiatives.

• Oversee pitches, RFPs, rankings submissions, and marketing content, including website, tailored to IP services.

• Manage IP-focused events, CLEs, sponsorships, and thought leadership initiatives.

• Ensure effective use of CRM, experience databases, and other tools to enhance client service and operational efficiency.

• Monitor market trends and client developments to inform priorities.

• Support practice operations including workload allocation, knowledge management, and experience tracking.

• Partner on budgeting, forecasting, and performance analytics for the IP group.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; additional preference given to advanced degree or JD.

• Minimum 6–8 years of experience in legal marketing, business development, or practice management, preferably in an Am Law 100 firm or professional services environment.

• Demonstrated experience managing people and leading cross-functional initiatives.

• Strong understanding of IP legal services and market dynamics.

• Excellent project management, communication, and analytical skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM and document management systems a plus.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact garett.bechdolt@alston.com.

Alston & Bird is not currently accepting resumes from agencies for this position. If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if Alston & Bird hires the candidate.