Business Development Assistant

Lewis Silkin is a UK top-100 commercial law firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff and Hong Kong. The firm is recognised by clients and industries alike as being distinct: for its deep understanding, insight and advice to creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses; for its market-leading international practice in employment, immigration and reward; and for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice in a refreshingly human way.

With 59 partners and more than 340 staff, the firm is structured around two key divisions; the Employment, Immigration and Reward (EIR) and the Creators, Makers and Innovators (CMI).

The Business Development and Marketing team is responsible for supporting the business development strategy of the firm and the co-ordinated delivery of all business development and marketing activities. Team members are primarily aligned with one of the firm’s two divisions, as well as the firm-wide legal practice and sector groups providing a broad range of business development and marketing support to those groups, and managing a range of cross-practice, firm-wide initiatives.

This role will be aligned to the Employment, Immigration and Reward division providing a broad range of business development and marketing support to the Employment and Immigration legal practice groups.

Key responsibilities and duties:

The Business Development Assistant will support the EIR BD team (which comprises a BD Head, a Marketing and Business Development Manager, a Business Development Manager and an Executive) with their plans to effectively target marketing communications and activity, grow fees from existing clients and develop new client relationships. Duties include:

1. Events support: work with the team to ensure we have a successful programme of events across the year. This includes management of lists on InterAction, create and manage Vuture campaigns, provide logistical support and work with the central team to prepare badges and packs. You will be integral to the follow up process to ensure communications are sent and feedback is captured. We also host a small number of external events and you would work with the central team to identify possible venues and carry out site visits.

2. Website updates: Work with our central team to manage content on the website, including proof read content before it is uploaded and ensure static content is regularly updated.

3. Client communications: Work with the team on email updates across the division, create communications in Vuture, manage data quality on InterAction and summarise and circulate statistics for each of the communications.

4. Collateral: we have a substantial library of 2 siders, brochures, teamsheets and client guides and your role would be to manage the hardcopy displays in the building, help create new publications in Word, Publisher and InDesign within brand guidelines and keep the database up to date.
    
5. Internal communications: support the team on internal communications including managing content on our intranet, promote the use of Yammer, and help prepare posters and infographics.

6. Best practice: work with the team to promote a best practice approach, police branding, promote the effective use of the firm’s CRM database (InterAction) and identify ways to improve processes to help save time, make things easier or enhance the service we deliver.

7. Research / Competitor Analysis: support the team with client and competitor research, conduct marketing audits, compile research materials for pitches, review and distribute industry data and reports.  

Experience and Skills Required

• Degree or equivalent education preferred, but not essential;

• Excellent attention to detail, good organisation skills and a willingness to get stuck in;

• Excellent written and communication skills, with an ability to communicate at all levels from senior partner to junior staff;

• Proactive attitude to work; enjoys and brings a high level of commitment and enthusiasm to managing a number of projects and administrative tasks;

• Comfortable taking a brief for a project, seeking clarification where needed;

• Ability to work well in a team, with a positive and friendly attitude, helping facilitate easier working together;

• Sense of humour, drive and tenacity;

• Previous experience of working in a marketing function, preferably in a professional services environment would be advantageous;

• Flexibility to work additional or out of office hours, where business needs dictate (overtime is paid for);

• Skills in MS Office packages. MS Publisher and InDesign, previous use of CRM systems such as InterAction and email campaign software all advantageous but not essential. Full training will be provided.

No agencies please.

Lewis Silkin is an Equal Opportunities employer.