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Date Posted: June 2, 2016

FIRM INFORMATION

Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,800 lawyers in 26 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Business Development Manager provides business development support and project leadership to attorneys in both the Labor & Employment (“L&E”) and Appellate (“APP”) practice groups, interacting with leadership, partners and associates of these two practice groups, and other business development and marketing resources within the Litigation Department and across the firm.   

• This position will be responsible for managing and executing business development activities for L&E across the Reed Smith U.S., UK and European offices, with the assiance of colleagues based outside the U.S.) and for APP, across the Reed Smith U.S. offices. 
• Key to this position is ability to provide strategic evaluation of potential client development opportunities, given current market trends and firm competitive advantage, and leading each effort through completion to ensure optimal return on investment.
• The role will require strong organizational skills, initiative, excellent attention to detail and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Key to this role is to have good industry and substantive knowledge as well as experience in a professional services environment.
• This position will function as part of a growing and energetic firm wide marketing and BD team of professionals around the globe.  This job specification may continue to evolve according to the needs of the team and firm.
• In addition to working with various business development and legal professionals within Litigation, this role will also include working with various marketing functions, including, but not limited to, the Branding and Public Relations teams, to develop and help implement thought leadership and campaigns to help raise the profile of L&E and APP both internally and externally.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop a working knowledge of both L&E and APP’s services as well as an understanding of the group’s revenue priorities, clients and prospects. Develop in-depth knowledge of and act as firm resource regarding: collective and individual experience; industry/trade group organizations; legal, industry and business trends; practice-specific marketing collateral; and practice-specific media. Keep current on developments and trends in relevant industries and remain informed of all major new clients and significant matters.
• Collaborate with firm resources to prepare routine analyses of industry competition, market trends, internal financial information, business opportunities and pitch activity.
• Work with L&E and APP Leadership, the Director of Business Development and other Business Development personnel to develop the marketing strategy and implement the strategic plans of both L&E and APP. Work with select Client Relationship Leaders and other Business Development personnel to develop strategic business development plans for select key clients. 
• Assist L&E and APP attorneys in identifying business development opportunities with new and existing clients and in executing individual marketing plans.
• Develop tailored pitch and proposal material for L&E and APP opportunities.  Assist central proposal team with global proposals and multi-practice pitches (being led by global proposal manager) as a subject matter expert, contributing L&E and APP experience and practice capabilities as needed.  Work closely with various legal, business development and marketing professionals to develop related presentations or material.
• Work with attorneys and other business development professionals to develop standard practice related materials (standard and customizable capability statements, practice group profiles, matter lists, case studies, bios etc.).
• Primary point of contact responsible for all L&E and APP  matter input into the experience tracking tool, including liaising with lawyers to gather details on key matters, matters that have been added or edited in bios, and all other matter information that is collected for any other purpose (directory submissions, pitches, etc.). Responsible for maintaining contacts and key information on the firm’s CRM system.
• Develops strategy for directory submissions (Chambers, Legal 500, etc.) to ensure marquee practice areas and individuals are being considered appropriately.  Prepare and submit materials to applicable directories or rating organizations, with group Coordinator and other central marketing resources.
• Partner with the public relations team to ensure coverage of successful matters and initiatives in key markets and significant matters are publicized internally and externally in accordance with the firm's public relations policy.
• Coordinate the production of client alert preparation and mailing business development activities within the group and assist with agenda preparation.
• Assist L&E and APP Leadership with onboarding and integration of lateral hires into the group.
• Collaborate with central Events Team and Regional Marketing on events, both internal and external.
• Complete special projects as assigned. 

Work to ensure quality professional product, as well as delivery of all work within established time frames.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or related field required.  JD and/or MBA preferred.

Experience:

5+ years of directly relevant experience in a marketing or business development-related position, including experience in a large law firm or professional services firm.  Deep knowledge of litigation, including business disputes, class action, arbitration, product liability & mass tort, life sciences and managed care, construction and retail & distribution required.  A strong business development and marketing acumen and basic legal substantive knowledge is required.  Experience with the ability to influence leadership and Partners is a prerequisite.

Skills:

Strong oral and written communications skills with the ability to interact at various levels with confidence and with a customer service attitude.  Strong computer skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Must be highly organized with the ability to multi-task, manage workload and competing priorities and pay close attention to details.  Must be able to think critically, present ideas and views clearly and with confidence to people at all levels, including partners and clients.  Must be able to demonstrate initiative, be flexible and adaptable and be a good team player.  Must have a strong focus on customer service delivery while dealing with a variety of personalities and being sensitive to cultural differences and issues.

OTHER

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment To Be Used:  Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Typical Physical Demands: Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.

Typical Mental Demands: Able to deal with stress associated with fast-paced work environment.  Multiple priorities/tasks.  Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations.  Grasp and apply new ideas.  Communicate with various personalities at all levels.

Working Conditions: Works in typical office setting.  Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. Occasional travel may be required.

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.

Qualified candidates only,  No search firms.  Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law.  As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.

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