Senior Business Development Executive

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a leading international law firm with offices across the world. It has a substantial European practice with particular emphasis on international arbitration and litigation, cross-border acquisitions, capital markets transactions, private equity funds, financings and restructurings. The London office has more than 130 lawyers, including 27 partners and 22 international counsel. Over two thirds of our lawyers are UK-qualified. Our London lawyers work closely with their colleagues in New York, Paris and Frankfurt, as well as with lawyers in our other offices. The London office has an overall count of over 260. 

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s Marketing Services team supports the firm’s global network of lawyers with business development, event planning and execution, graphic design, marketing technology and alumni relations activities. With staff resident in our London, New York, Frankfurt and Hong Kong offices, Marketing Services professionals provide cross-office support on a wide range of projects that endeavour to further the firm’s business and client development initiatives. In London, the firm’s second-largest office, the team offers full-service capabilities and coordinates with colleagues around the world in support of the London office’s various practice and industry group initiatives and other marketing activities.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier international law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Debevoise clients engage our lawyers for the high degree of quality, strategic focus and creativity we bring to our legal advice. Our talented administrative and legal support staff bring the same commitment to their work, ensuring the firm delivers the highest level of service and a distinctive client experience. We attract and retain highly skilled and dedicated staff by providing a work environment that is diverse, collaborative, respectful and collegial, and where professional growth is encouraged and nurtured.  The firm is seeking a Business Development Specialist to become an integral part of our Marketing Department. The Business Development Specialist will report to Head of Communications & Marketing Services, Europe & Asia.

 

• Produce pitches/RFPs, matter lists and other marketing materials & collateral for potential and existing clients. This includes drafting original content regarding qualifications; drafting and compiling value proposition statements; producing financial proposals, budgets and timelines for opportunities (in collaboration with our Pricing Support colleagues); gathering input from lawyers and other sources of information; project management; providing pitch preparation; and coaching the lawyers on strategy and follow-up.
• Help lawyers analyse new business opportunities for existing and prospective clients and data - across companies, individuals, markets and competitors - to inform strategy and approach. This includes collaborating with other business development and practice management staff globally to identify cross-selling opportunities.
• Support lawyers and work closely with practice managers in compiling and disseminating internal group BD updates and priorities, acting as principal BD team contact in these meetings.
• Handle competitive intelligence exercises for research projects, including identifying potential business development opportunities and synergies with existing activities being conducted throughout the firm.
• Work collaboratively with the firm’s Communications function to develop content that can inform ongoing proactive prominence-enhancing activities.
• Manage some legal directory submissions, including drafting and editing submissions, scheduling/prepping for/sitting in interviews, and conducting competitor analyses of key rankings & results.
• Contribute to matter management processes and content strategy with respect to keeping matter experience data current for purposes of pitches, proposals, lawyer biographies, directory/award submissions and rankings.

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent is required.
• Prior experience working with and/or managing pitch/RFP processes; working alongside lawyers, pricing teams and others to drive pitch/RFP projects in line with specific requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate effectively with lawyers and staff at all levels within the organisation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail is critical and must be demonstrated.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter; ability to work efficiently and effectively as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Proactive approach and can-do attitude with problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work flexibly to accommodate occasional early morning, evening and weekend needs of the lawyers.
• Advanced skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• InterAction/CRM experience is a plus.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with a business development function within a law firm or professional services organisation is preferred.
• At least 4 years of employment in a law firm/legal services is preferred.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.