Client Development Specialist - Life Sciences

The Client Development Specialist is a leader who possesses a client-focused mentality, is highly service oriented, and has the ability to guide, direct and advise lawyers in a sophisticated marketing and business development environment. Responsibilities include helping shape the strategic positioning for global Technology & Life Science group within the context of the Goodwin brand; supporting client relationship-building initiatives; facilitating cross-selling opportunities with other practice groups and geographies; lead generation; and identifying effective thought leadership opportunities.

What You'll Do:

• Conceptualize, initiate and support client relationship building activities and other activities that will help the firm to institutionalize its client base and grow top line revenue.
• Develop business development plans for primary and sub-practices.
• Work with the partners in developing and implementing personal business development plans and network expanding activities.
• Track and provide monthly updates detailing business development activity and successes (win/loss ratios, referrals, return on networking investments, upcoming activities).
• Participate in the design and implementation of cross-BU and cross-geography business development initiatives, including client teams and broader initiatives.
• Where appropriate, participate in networking opportunities to directly generate new business opportunities for the firm.
• Oversee research and related competitive intelligence activity for key clients and prospects, working closely with the Market & Competitive Intelligence leader. Monitor the business development strategies and related activity of key competitors.
• Prepare responses to RFPs/RFIs and daily pitch requests; working with the Director of Business Development and the Pricing and Project Management team in developing alternative fee arrangement proposals and other value adds.
• Work with BD Director to ensure integration of lateral associates and partners.
• Identify and prioritize key organizations and events in which the practice/partner(s) will participate.
• Develop and manage budget for practice-related marketing memberships, sponsorships and hosted events.
• Negotiate contracts, speaking slots and other related benefits.
• Develop targeted invitee mailing lists. Report on RSVPs and who-knows-whom.
• Attend events and assist attorneys with making connections at events, report on return on investment.
• Work with the Integrated Marketing Manager to ensure that practice descriptions, data sheets, web content and other marketing materials are compelling and up to date.
• Identify matter tracking activities for the practice and ensure appropriate details are captured in the experience management system for easy output to proposal materials.
• Identify and manage review and submission of data for all relevant league tables and deal listings, review and analysis of published results for practice leaders. Develop relevant client/prospect communications based on results and work with Communications group to identify league table rankings that merit external communications support.
• Coach lawyers on business development, including personal business development plans. Focus lawyers in various legal practice areas on practical, effective deliverables, tracking all results stemming from these efforts.
• Work with the firm’s Communications team to create targeted, strategic submissions for practice-related and attorney rankings, surveys and awards, including Chambers, Legal 500, Am Law rankings, Best Lawyers and other industry-specific/geographic/attorney demographic awards programs.
• Work with Communications leaders to develop and implement public relations strategies that further the group’s goal for positive media exposure and visibility.

Who You Are:

• Strategic thinker with strong project management, process implementation, data and budgeting skills.
• Able to interact in a highly professional manner with partners, clients, colleagues and service providers.
• Superior communication skills, including strong writing and editorial skills, with particular attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite. Experience with InterAction, Microsoft Dynamics or other CRM tools and databases a plus
• A total of 8+ years of progressive experience in a practice management, business development or marketing role, ideally in an Amlaw 100 or another large professional services firm.
• Previous experience in the funds space is strongly preferred.
• Minimum BA, BS or degree equivalent.