Director of Business Development – Litigation & Advisory

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Business Development and Marketing department in our New York, Chicago, or Washington, D.C. office, as a Director of Business Development – Litigation & Advisory.

The Director of Business Development is a highly visible and results-oriented position, serving as the primary business development and strategic advisor for the firm's Litigation & Advisory practices. This individual will collaborate closely with practice group leaders to drive strategy, planning, and execution of business development and marketing initiatives. The role is integral to the development and execution of focused business development and profile-raising programs that engage clients and drive revenue. This includes spearheading practice and product growth initiatives, client development, and enhancing the department's profile through an industry-focused approach. The Director of Business Development will work in close partnership with the Global Chief Business Development & Marketing Officer, the BD&M department, fellow firm directors, and other key personnel including business development, marketing, communications, research, lateral recruiting, and events. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the firm's growth and client engagement strategies.

Essential Functions:      

• Provides strategic direction, coaching, planning and managing deployment of marketing and business development activities and initiatives for the Litigation & Advisory practices, working directly with practice leaders and other key stakeholders
• Supervises, mentors and manages the day-to-day responsibilities of Business Development & Marketing Products team, ensuring that all work is delegated to appropriate business services professionals, projects are effectively managed and in alignment with the firm’s overall strategic efforts, and that service to clients is exceptional
• Develops and implements comprehensive business development strategies. This includes proficiency in identifying market opportunities and creating plans to capitalize on them
• Experience in setting and achieving long-term business goals is essential, ensuring that the firm remains competitive and successful in its industry
• Expertise in building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, clients and stakeholders is essential. Proficiency in client retention strategies and enhancing client satisfaction is crucial, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business
• Proficient in market research to understand industry trends, client needs, and the competitive landscape. The ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable business strategies that drive growth and meet organizational objectives is required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are crucial for this role. The ability to present ideas and strategies effectively to clients, partners, and internal stakeholders, ensuring clear and persuasive communication, is necessary
• Robust networking skills are needed to establish and maintain professional relationships within the legal industry and beyond. The ability to identify and pursue new business opportunities and partnerships is important
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the legal industry, including trends, regulations, and the competitive landscape. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the international law firm environment is necessary to navigate and succeed in this sector
• Understanding of financial principles and the ability to develop budgets and forecasts are important. Experience in managing financial performance and achieving revenue targets is essential to ensure the financial health and growth of the firm
• Proven leadership skills to manage and motivate a business development team, with experience in mentoring and developing team members to achieve their full potential, are essential
• Strong project management skills are necessary to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously. The ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope, is required
• Familiarity with business development tools and software, such as CRM systems and data analytics platforms, is important. The ability to leverage technology to enhance business development efforts, improving efficiency and effectiveness, is required
• Strong negotiation skills are necessary to secure favorable terms and agreements with partners, vendors and in-house procurement teams. The ability to navigate complex negotiations and resolve conflicts effectively, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes, is required
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs. An innovative mindset to develop creative solutions and strategies is essential, ensuring the organization remains agile and forward-thinking
• Manages continuous communications and interaction with departmental and practice leadership, including responsibility for periodic meetings, reports, analysis, progress monitoring, etc.
• Contributes to marketing and business development training and professional development modules for lawyers and for department members
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Education/Training/Certifications:      

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Research, Communications or related field, required
• Advanced degree (e.g., a Master’s degree, a Ph.D., an M.B.A., or a J.D.), preferred

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of ten years of demonstrated success in a marketing, research, management, and/or communications-related field, either in the professional services (e.g., law, accounting, or consulting) or in a comparable position(s) in the corporate, trade association, or academic sectors, required

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required

Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports including performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements:

• May require travel to other offices as needed

The typical pay scale for this position in New York is between $237,600 and $342,100, in Chicago between $211,800 and $304,900 and in Washington, D.C. between $218,100 and $314,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills and internal pay alignment are different from those specified. 

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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