Business Development Specialist - Litigation & IP

Alston & Bird; Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a Business Development Specialist to join a fast-paced, attorney-facing team supporting a national litigation practice. You will partner with lawyers and BD colleagues to deliver top-tier marketing and business development services across multiple groups.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, high attention to detail, and proactive initiative in campaign development, directory submissions, and client events. A strong service mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Prefer journalism, English, marketing, management, or communications.
• 3–5 years of marketing, business development, or practice management experience.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for day-to-day marketing and BD needs for assigned practice groups.
• Prepare pitches and RFP responses with lawyers and team members.
• Submit award nominations for Chambers, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers/Best Law Firms.
• Coordinate sponsorships, memberships, and event attendance to raise firm visibility.
• Update website content, bios, and marketing materials for assigned practice groups.
• Support BD with PowerPoints, CLE materials, experience database updates, and meetings.

Skills

Attention to detail

Editing

Interpersonal skills

Marketing principles

Self-starter

Microsoft Office

CRM

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Journalism/English/Marketing

3–5 years experience in marketing/BD

Law firm professional services experience

Tools

CRM

Document management

Relational databases

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 high‑impact team at the heart of a nationally recognized litigation practice . Under the guidance of the Business Development Senior Manager, the Business Development Specialist supports a collaborative and fast‑paced team of business development and practice management professionals serving the firm’s 300+ Litigation Practice Area attorneys. This highly attorney‑facing role offers frequent interaction with lawyers and meaningful exposure to Alston & Bird’s high‑profile litigation and IP practice groups.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, organized self‑starter who is eager to learn, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully to a variety of projects. A strong service mindset is key, as this role is focused on providing top‑tier support and delivering an exceptional client and attorney experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develop relationships with lawyers in assigned practice groups/teams to serve as primary point of contact for day-to-day marketing, business and practice development needs.

• Prepare pitches and RFP responses, collaborating with lawyers and other team members as needed based on pitch requirements.

• Prepare award nominations, surveys, and submissions for directory and ranking authorities such as Chambers, Legal 500, and Best Lawyers/Best Law Firms.

• Make recommendations for and coordinate sponsorships, memberships, and event attendance at client and industry events to increase the visibility and brand of the firm in assigned practice groups/teams.

• Coordinate with attorneys and M&BD colleagues to update website content, bios, and other marketing materials for assigned practice groups/teams.

• Assisting with a host of other tasks in support of marketing and business development efforts for the litigation groups (PowerPoints, CLE presentation materials, experience database content updates, Area and Group meetings, etc.)

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment is essential.

• Demonstrate a high level of attention to detail and proficient with grammar and editing.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with varying levels of attorneys and colleagues throughout the firm.

• Interested in developing deeper knowledge of marketing principles, procedures, concepts, and practical applications.

• Self‑starter and able to work independently on assigned projects and collaborate with team members as needed to accomplish goals.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) necessary.

• Experience with CRM, document management systems and relational databases a plus.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Preferred fields of study include journalism, English, marketing, management, communications, or related business disciplines

• 3–5 years of relevant experience required

• Prior experience in marketing, business development, or practice management strongly preferred

• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment is a plus

The salary range for this position in Los Angeles and New York City is $110,000 - $120,000, and in Washington, DC is $95,000-$105,000. 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].