Kelley Drye, a powerhouse firm with the heart of a boutique, is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the Litigation practice, with primary responsibility for Consumer Class Action Defense, and Mass Arbitration. This individual will collaborate with practice group leadership, partners, and other internal teams to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support client development and new business pursuits.
The successful candidate will combine strategic judgment with strong execution. The manager will serve as a trusted adviser to practice leadership and will be expected to independently move initiatives forward, bring recommendations, and maintain accountability for follow-through. They will identify and assess new business opportunities, develop persuasive proposals and pitches, and manage multiple time-sensitive initiatives from concept through completion.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Business and Client Development: Develop actionable strategies to grow new business and deepen client relationships by staying ahead of client needs and industry trends. Use litigation tracking platforms, GenAI tools, internal data, and external research resources to spot and evaluate potential business development opportunities.
Pitches and Proposals: Lead the development of tailored, persuasive responses to RFPs and other new business opportunities. Evaluate each opportunity, identify the most relevant experience and differentiators, and develop clear, client-focused messaging that positions the firm effectively and responds directly to the client’s needs.
Strategic Planning: Help design, execute, and recalibrate business development plans and budgets for the practice groups and individual attorneys.
Research and Knowledge Management: Understand and anticipate client needs by analyzing market dynamics, competitor positioning, and industry trends. Identify potential opportunities for expansion and formulate outreach strategies. Become proficient in using the firm’s CRM to manage client/prospect relationship data, track matter experience lists, and maintain the pipeline of business development opportunities.
Project and Performance Management: Manage deadlines and details concerning the groups’ business development pursuits and marketing initiatives, and how the various components fit into the overarching strategic plans. Track and report on results of pitches, proposals and referrals. Coordinate and collaborate with attorneys, marketing colleagues, and business professionals around the firm to ensure projects move forward efficiently.
Directory Submissions: Develop strategic and compelling award submissions, such as Benchmark Litigation, Chambers, and Legal 500 and other industry recognitions.
New Attorney Integration: Help newly arrived partners establish an actionable business development plan, communicate their capabilities internally and externally, transition appropriate client relationships, pursue priority opportunities, and build connections with colleagues in complementary practices.
Marketing Communications and Events: Coordinate with and delegate to the marketing and communications team for execution of content marketing and client events/webinars strategy.
Key Skills and Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least five years of business development or marketing experience; law firm or professional-services experience strongly preferred.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, including experience developing pitches, proposals, or similar persuasive materials.
- Strong project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze market and client information and translate it into practical recommendations.
- Strong judgment, attention to detail, and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency with CRM, reporting, research, and technology tools, including AI platforms.
- Strong collaborator with the ability to build effective working relationships and partner closely with attorneys, practice group leadership, Business Development colleagues, and other professionals across the firm.
The salary range displayed is specifically for those potential hires who will work or reside in New York City if selected for the role. Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data/ranges, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees, and certifications (e.g., JD/technology) for example. New York City Salary Range: Low: $150,000 High: $200,000.
Please be advised that all communications regarding open positions at our firm will exclusively originate from email addresses ending in @kelleydrye.com. We encourage you to exercise caution and verify the source of any communication claiming to represent our firm.
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
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