Business Development Specialist - Litigation

Nixon Peabody LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 126,500; Full time

Job summary

Nixon Peabody LLP is seeking a Business Development Specialist to support the marketing for the Litigation Department. This role involves coordinating client development initiatives, preparing pitches, and managing events.

Ideal candidates should have 2–4 years of marketing experience, a Bachelor's degree, and strong communication skills. This position is crucial for enhancing the firm’s market presence and ensuring effective execution of BD strategies.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of marketing or communications experience, preferably in a law firm.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and high quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate pitches and proposals, managing timelines and distribution.
• Develop internal communications like newsletters.
• Plan practice-specific events and handle related logistics.

Skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Attention to detail

Project management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Familiarity with basic AI tools

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, English, Communications, or related field

Job description

Job Description

The Business Development Specialist supports the firm’s business development and marketing efforts for designated practice areas within the Litigation Department. The Litigation Department encompasses attorneys who handle commercial disputes, construction and real estate litigation, government investigations, white‑collar defense, intellectual property, labor and employment matters, and cybersecurity and privacy issues.

This role partners closely with attorneys and internal teams to advance client development initiatives, strengthen the department’s market presence, and support cross‑selling, prospecting, client engagement, and thought leadership. Responsibilities include coordinating key projects, supporting practice‑focused events, maintaining core BD content, tracking opportunities, developing pitches and proposals, and ensuring consistent execution of BD priorities across the practice.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and drive the preparation of pitches and proposals, meeting with attorneys, scoping projects, compiling research, and managing reviews and distribution.
• Implement development of internal communications items such as department newsletters and practice group updates.
• Manage and execute planning, coordination, and management of practice‑specific events including webinars, virtual events, and participation in conferences, handling deliverables, guest lists, invitations, vendor communication and collateral.
• Coordinate, schedule, and host department, practice group, and team meetings.
• Assist with maintaining the proposal system, experience database, and other information warehouses required for pitches and proposals.
• Work with the Social Media Manager to promote programs.
• Manage attorney directory submissions for Chambers, Legal 500, and other legal directories and nominations.
• Write and maintain attorney biographies, collecting and assisting with experience summaries.
• Compile mailing lists for marketing projects using the firm’s CRM program for alerts, seminars, events, and promotional mailings.
• Partner with attorneys to support individual BD efforts through one‑on‑one strategy meetings, coaching, and advance thought leadership initiatives and content development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of marketing or communications experience, or strong exposure to legal practice, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, English, Communications, or a related field required; work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exemplary stakeholder relationship management skills, able to work effectively with personnel at all levels.
• Strong attention to detail and high quality standards, with proof‑reading ability.
• Ability to handle multiple projects proactively, simultaneously, and timely while managing stakeholder expectations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word).
• Familiarity with basic AI tools.

Location

Boston, MA; New York City, NY; Long Island, NY; Rochester, NY; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA

Salary and Benefits

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows:

• San Francisco: $85,000 to $126,500
• New York, NY: $85,000 to $126,500
• Long Island, NY: $85,000 to $126,500
• Boston, MA: $77,500 to $114,950
• Los Angeles, CA: $77,500 to $114,950
• Washington, DC: $77,500 to $114,950
• Rochester, NY: $70,500 to $104,500

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer: Disability / Veteran. Nixon Peabody is committed to creating a fair workplace and does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Initiative, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E‑Verify. All newly‑hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm their identity and employment eligibility.