Business Development Specialist

Blank Rome LLP; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Commuter benefits

Well-being programs

Job summary

Blank Rome LLP is seeking a seasoned Business Development Specialist to support the Business Litigation and Labor & Employment practices. You will partner with the Business Development Manager, practice group leaders, and attorneys to grow client relationships and craft tailored marketing strategies.

This hybrid Chicago-based role requires a 3-day onsite presence, with strong proposal development, market research, and cross-selling initiatives across offices.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in professional services business development or marketing.
• Experience in legal environment or professional services preferred.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Practice Group Leaders and attorneys to grow client relationships.
• Develop practice-specific marketing and business development plans.
• Prepare targeted pitches, proposals, and RFP responses.
• Track activities in the CRM system (DealCloud).
• Coordinate events and sponsorships with internal teams.

Skills

Business development

Client relationship

Proposal development

Market research

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA/JD preferred

Tools

DealCloud

Job description

Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 16 offices and 800 attorneys who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Rome’s culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. Our commitment to our core values and dedication to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment, allows the firm to attract and retain the brightest in the industry.

Job Overview

The Business Development Specialist serves as the business development support for the specialized practices of Business Litigation and Labor & Employment. The Business Development Specialist will work directly with the Business Development Manager for these groups. The Business Development Specialist works with Practice Group Leaders and attorneys to grow and maintain client relationships and develop new solutions and services to offer clients.

This role has a hybrid working arrangement. Potential candidates must live within commuting distance of our Chicago office to be onsite 3 days per week. In this role, you will report to the Business Development Manager.

Essential Functions

• Work with Practice Group Leaders (“PGLs”) to understand the exact strengths of each practice and work with PGLs to implement business development strategies.
• Stay current on market and business trends to understand the competitive landscapes of the assigned practices.
• Work with the PGLs and individual attorneys to develop practice specific marketing and business development plans.
• Work with the designated practice groups on marketing and business development initiatives.
• Evaluate firm clients to identify opportunities for cross-selling across practice areas and offices.
• Develop targeted pitches and presentations as well as responses to requests for proposals (RFPs) that speak to the client’s needs, concerns, and objectives.
• Compile case and matter descriptions for use in proposals, on the website, and in DealCloud.
• Attend practice group meetings to learn about new initiatives and provide updates about relevant marketing and business development activities.
• Track client development activities and new business development efforts in the firm’s Client Relationship Management system (DealCloud).
• Manage sponsorships of events, including preparation of marketing materials and ads, attorney registrations, and follow-up coordination.
• Work closely with other administrative departments and colleagues (e.g. IT, practice management, etc.) to effectively serve our internal and external clients.
• Work with the Client Events Manager on events that participation is needed or required.
• Assist in developing submissions for surveys and directories.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
• Work additional hours as needed to fulfill job requirements.

The above essential functions represent the general nature and level of responsibilities for this position and is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. The firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion.

Skills/Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in professional services business development and marketing.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., MBA or J.D.) preferred.
• Experience in a legal environment or professional services required.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to develop positive working relationships (in-person and virtually).
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with effective organizational skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Proven problem solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Unquestioned integrity and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Proficient in web-based conference call/web-sharing applications.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $90,000. Actual salaries will depend on a candidate's geographic location, relevant experience, and skillset. The salary range listed is just one component of Blank Rome’s total compensation package for employees. Other monetary rewards include annual discretionary bonuses based on performance and profit-sharing contributions based on eligibility and firm profitability.

In addition, Blank Rome provides a comprehensive suite of benefits to promote health and financial security, including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as life, accident, and disability insurance plans. The firm also provides the opportunity to participate in 401(k) retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and well-being programs.

EEO Statement

Blank Rome is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by law.

Our core values of respect for the individual, the community, and the law are clearly demonstrated in our ability to recruit and develop a diverse group of exceptionally talented attorneys and professional staff who enable us to best serve our clients and our communities.