Business Development Manager

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 the designation as 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 collaborative, high-performing Marketing & Business Development team supporting one of the nation's premier litigation practices. The Business Development Manager serves as a strategic advisor to practice leaders and attorneys, helping drive client growth, strengthen market position, and advance key business development initiatives across a 300+ attorney practice.

This highly visible role combines strategy, relationship management, and execution. The ideal candidate is a proactive business partner who enjoys building relationships, identifying opportunities, and delivering impactful business development solutions that contribute to the continued success of the practice and the firm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Build trusted relationships with attorneys and practice leaders, serving as the primary business development contact for assigned practice groups and teams.
• Partner with leadership to develop and execute business development strategies, growth initiatives, and annual practice plans.
• Lead pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other client development efforts that support new business opportunities and strengthen client relationships.
• Manage legal directory submissions, awards, sponsorships, conferences, client events, and other initiatives that enhance market visibility and support strategic priorities.
• Conduct market, client, and competitive research to identify opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with attorneys and colleagues to maintain marketing materials, experience records, and business development resources while contributing to department-wide initiatives and best practices.

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Strong business development and marketing experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to analyze market and business information and translate insights into strategic recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems, experience management platforms, and AI-enabled productivity tools.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business, Communications, English, Journalism, Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of progressively responsible experience in business development, marketing, client development, or a related field, preferably within a law firm or professional services organization.
• Experience supporting legal practice groups, leading complex pitches and proposals, and managing strategic business development initiatives preferred.
• Prior experience mentoring or guiding junior team members is a plus.

The salary range for this position in Los Angeles and Washington DC is $145,000 - $155,000, and in New York City is $160,000-$170,000. 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 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Alston & Bird LLP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.

Alston & Bird also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities and to individuals who require an accommodation based on religion, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as required by applicable law. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process may contact donavan.mclean@alston.com.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Employment may be contingent upon the successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening, which may include professional references and a background screening, consistent with applicable law.

SEARCH FIRMS AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES

Alston & Bird does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate referrals from recruiters, search firms, or employment agencies. Any resume or candidate information submitted without a prior written agreement with Alston & Bird will be considered unsolicited, and no fee will be paid if the candidate is hired.