Business Development Specialist

Smart & Biggar LLP; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart & Biggar LLP is seeking a Business Development Specialist to join their national team. The role focuses on executing business development initiatives, engaging with law professionals, and managing marketing content to drive strategic objectives. Ideal candidates have a marketing degree, 3-5 years of related experience, and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Flexible benefits program

Personal days available

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in business development or marketing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French.
• Outgoing self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of business development plans.
• Engage with lawyers to drive initiatives forward.
• Draft and coordinate legal directory submissions.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Organization

Project Management

Relationship Building

Education

Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in Marketing

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Tools (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics)

Document Design Tools (e.g., InDesign)

Job description

Smart & Biggar is Canada's largest firm practicing exclusively in intellectual property (IP) and technology law, with offices inOttawa,Toronto,the Waterloo Region, Montreal,VancouverandCalgary. We have been leaders in intellectual property and technology law for over 125 years. We are regularly recognized as Canada’s top IP and technology firm.

We are part of the IPH Group, a network of member firms working throughout ten IP jurisdictions, with clients in more than 25 countries. IPH member firms employ a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of over 1,200 people in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. IPH supports a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, multinationals, public sector research organizations, SMEs and professional services firms worldwide.

We are passionate about what we do and what we can achieve. The IPH Group is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect across companies to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be.

The Opportunity .

Smart & Biggar is currently looking for a Business Development Specialist to join our national Business Development & Marketing team.

As the Business Development Specialist, you will support the execution of BD initiatives in collaboration with the broader BD team, the central Marketing team, and practitioners across the firm. You will also serve as the local BD resource for the Montreal and Ottawa offices, helping to coordinate local initiatives and ensure alignment with the firm’s strategies.

Responsibilities .

• Support implementation of practice and industry group business development plans
• Engage with lawyers to drive initiatives forward and ensure accountability
• Conduct research on clients, targets, and competitors to support strategic efforts
• Track strategic opportunities and contribute to key client development programs
• Draft and coordinate legal directory submissions (e.g., Chambers, IAM, WTR, Lexpert)
• Assist in planning and executing in-person and virtual events, webinars, and sponsorships
• Manage guest lists, post-event follow-up, and track ROI
• Create and maintain marketing content (bios, practice descriptions, case studies)
• Prepare tailored proposals, RFPs, pitch materials, and capability statements
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as required

Qualifications, competencies, and experience .

• Bachelor’s and/or graduate degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in business development or marketing, ideally in a law firm or professional services firm (with a focus on IP, life sciences, or technology)
• Strong written and oral communication skills in both English and French
• Outgoing and enthusiastic self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders
• Natural relationship-builder who energizes teams and contributes to a positive, engaged work environment
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM tools (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics), experience databases, and document design tools (e.g., InDesign or Canva)
• Knowledge of intellectual property concepts and terminology is a strong asset

No recruiters or agencies please.

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Smart & Biggar offers a comprehensive total rewards package including:

• A competitive compensation structure based on transparency, clarity and fairness;
• A flexible benefits program;
• Personal days to help balance personal and professional commitments;
• Employee referral program.

Smart & Biggar is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN), working to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our Firm and the broader legal profession.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.