Business Development Manager

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a Marketing & Business Development Manager to join a high-performing team supporting a premier litigation practice. You will advise practice leaders, drive client growth, and execute BD initiatives across 300+ attorneys.

The role blends strategy, relationship management, and execution. You will partner with attorneys to deliver impactful solutions, manage pitches, and strengthen market position in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, marketing, client development, or related field.
• Experience supporting legal practice groups, leading complex pitches and proposals, and managing strategic initiatives preferred.
• Mentoring junior team members is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with attorneys and practice leaders as the BD contact for groups.
• Develop and execute BD strategies, growth initiatives, and annual plans with leadership.
• Lead pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client development efforts.
• Manage submissions, awards, sponsorships, conferences, and client events.
• Conduct market, client, and competitive research to identify opportunities.
• Collaborate to maintain marketing materials, experience records, and BD resources.

Skills

Business development

Relationship building

Project management

Market analysis

Communication

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Experience management platforms

AI-enabled productivity tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, English, Journalism, Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Experience management platforms

AI-enabled productivity tools

Job description

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 27 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

Join a collaborative, high-performing Marketing & Business Development team supporting one of the nation's premier litigation practices. The Business Development Manager serves as a strategic advisor to practice leaders and attorneys, helping drive client growth, strengthen market position, and advance key business development initiatives across a 300+ attorney practice.

This highly visible role combines strategy, relationship management, and execution. The ideal candidate is a proactive business partner who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering impactful business development solutions that contribute to the continued success of the practice and the firm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Build trusted relationships with attorneys and practice leaders, serving as the primary business development contact for assigned practice groups and teams.
• Partner with leadership to develop and execute business development strategies, growth initiatives, and annual practice plans.
• Lead pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client development efforts that support new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
• Manage legal directory submissions, awards, sponsorships, conferences, client events, and other initiatives that enhance market visibility and support strategic priorities.
• Conduct market, client, and competitive research to identify opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with attorneys and colleagues to maintain marketing materials, experience records, and business development resources while contributing to department-wide initiatives and best practices.

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Strong business development and marketing experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze market and business information and translate insights into strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems, experience management platforms, and AI-enabled productivity tools.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, Communications, English, Journalism, Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, marketing, client development, or a related field, preferably within a law firm or professional services organization.
• Experience supporting legal practice groups, leading complex pitches and proposals, and managing strategic business development initiatives preferred.
• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior team members is a plus.

The salary range for this position in Los Angeles and Washington DC is $145,000 - $155,000, and in New York City is $160,000-$170,000. These ranges represent the Firm's good faith minimum and maximum salary expectations for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation offered will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and work location.

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 [e-mail].

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.