Senior Business Development & Marketing Specialist
Att Law, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Business Development & Marketing Specialist
Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., is seeking a Senior Business Development and Marketing Specialist to join our firm.
Founded in 1998, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., is a mid-size law firm based in Chicago, committed to supporting underserved communities by partnering with clients in all aspects of real estate development, ownership, financing, and investment. We represent developers, investors, lenders, tax exempt community development organizations, and public housing authorities.
The scope and breadth of our experience has made us national leaders in the affordable housing and community development space, with particular expertise in the syndication of federal low-income housing tax credits, federal historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, energy credits and state tax credits, community lending, and structuring qualified opportunity zone transactions.
Our firm is equally committed to the people who join our team. Rooted in a culture of mutual respect, trust, and a long-term investment in our people, we hire attorneys with a view to giving them exposure to sophisticated transactional work, meaningful opportunities for leadership, ongoing professional development support, and a generous work-life model that is truly unique in the legal industry.
Summary of Role We are seeking a detail-oriented, strategic Business Development and Marketing Specialist to support firm-wide growth initiatives across business development, marketing, communications, and events. This is a newly created position and the first dedicated business development and marketing role at the firm.
The Specialist will serve as the primary resource for all BD and marketing initiatives and will be responsible for day-to-day activities as well as building foundational processes, identifying and implementing relevant tools, and developing a strategic roadmap for this function.
This role partners closely with attorneys, practice group leaders, and leadership teams to drive client-facing programs, elevate the firm’s brand, and support revenue-generating opportunities. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced environment. They will also have exceptional writing and project management skills with strong judgment, creativity, and a client-service mindset.
Key Responsibilities Business Development
Lead or support responses to RFPs, pitches, and presentations; develop written proposal materials, team sheets, and tailored meeting collateral.
Ensure marketing materials and practice descriptions are current, accurate, and on-brand; periodically consult with attorneys to update profiles and practice pages.
Track pipeline activity for assigned practices (e.g., monitoring potential or active business opportunities, new client prospects, and status of pitches) and report on engagement and outcomes.
Assist with preparation for attorney BD meetings and client opportunities.
Maintain practice-specific project lists, matter descriptions, and client lists; lead periodic data cleanup.
Conduct client/market research and competitive intelligence to inform BD strategies; identify speaking opportunities and thought leadership placements.
Provide semi-annual reporting on Chicago marketing activities (awards, pitches, events, directories, etc.) to the Chief Experience Officer.
Attorney Development
Design and lead business development programs and create training materials to support attorney growth in the following areas:
Personal branding (e.g., social media presence, thought leadership).
Networking strategies (e.g., building and maintaining professional relationships).
Client relationship management (e.g., developing trust and long-term partnerships).
Event Planning & Execution (Client-Facing & Internal)
Plan, execute, and monitor logistics for seminars, conferences, receptions, dinners, and sponsorship activities; serve as on-site point of contact.
Lead the webinar production pipeline (vendor coordination, speaker prep, run-of-show, post-event follow-up, and CLE issuance).
Draft invitations, manage RSVPs and mailing lists, track event ROI and engagement, and coordinate branded materials.
Partner with the finance and billing team to monitor departmental budgets and process vendor payments.
Support internal office events as needed.
Marketing & Communications
Draft, edit, and proofread practice descriptions, attorney bios, press releases, client alerts, news items, and internal communications; maintain cadence of wins and announcements.
Manage and drive public relations campaigns; maintain media lists, pitch stories, and track/report coverage.
Develop and maintain marketing collateral (firm overviews, brochures, resumes, presentations) and advise on messaging consistency.
Prepare submissions for legal rankings, directories, and awards (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500) and manage tracking, strategy, and timelines for recognition initiatives.
Digital Content & Brand Management
Maintain and update the firm’s website, intranet, and social channels; ensure content accuracy across bios, practice areas, and social channels.
Build and maintain a social media calendar; coach attorneys on engagement best practices.
Create visual assets and graphics using Canva (or similar); enforce brand standards across all materials and practice groups.
Design, write, and disseminate email announcements and promotional e-blasts; support automation and list management.
Qualifications Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field (preferred).
Minimum 7+ years in marketing/business development in a law firm/professional services/agency.
Legal marketing experience is preferred but not required.
Core Competencies & Skills
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading; ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong organizational and project management skills; thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
Effective interpersonal communication, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the firm and with external vendors.
Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize data and capture insights in narrative form; proactive problem-solving.
High attention to detail, discretion, and confidentiality; sound judgment and independent decision-making.
Flexible and adaptable; able to adjust hours and travel as needed for events or business needs.
Technical Proficiency
Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
CRM tools and database management
Website CMS (e.g., WordPress) and intranet management
Design/graphics tools
Webinar platforms; familiarity with email/marketing automation tools
To learn more about our firm and the work we do, visit https://www.att-law.com. Qualified candidates who would like to learn more about this position and the firm should send resumes in confidence to Karla Valenti at kvalenti@att-law.com.
Applegate is committed to equal employment opportunity without consideration of race, color, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, political activity or affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex or gender, or any other basis protected by law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
No lawyer-client relationship created.
Our site content is not intended to create, and receipt of it by visitors to our site does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without first seeking professional and properly licensed legal counsel.
Please do not send us information about your matter without speaking to us first. Please do not send us information about your matter until you speak with one of our lawyers and obtain our advance authorization. No duty of confidentiality is owed to any persons who send unsolicited e-mail messages, mail, or facsimiles to our firm, lawyers, or other employees listed on this site without our advance authorization. There is no lawyer-client relationship duty or obligation created with respect to unsolicited inquiries or contacts without our mutual agreement. Further, absent such mutual agreement, our receipt of unsolicited information will not preclude us from representing any actual or potential adverse party. When you sign and send us an unsolicited e-mail, mail or facsimile, you are agreeing that you will not use our receipt of any information you send us to disqualify us from representing any other party.
By clicking ‘Ok’ you understand and agree to these conditions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Founded in 1998, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., is a mid-size law firm based in Chicago, committed to supporting underserved communities by partnering with clients in all aspects of real estate development, ownership, financing, and investment. We represent developers, investors, lenders, tax exempt community development organizations, and public housing authorities.
The scope and breadth of our experience has made us national leaders in the affordable housing and community development space, with particular expertise in the syndication of federal low-income housing tax credits, federal historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, energy credits and state tax credits, community lending, and structuring qualified opportunity zone transactions.
Our firm is equally committed to the people who join our team. Rooted in a culture of mutual respect, trust, and a long-term investment in our people, we hire attorneys with a view to giving them exposure to sophisticated transactional work, meaningful opportunities for leadership, ongoing professional development support, and a generous work-life model that is truly unique in the legal industry.
Summary of Role We are seeking a detail-oriented, strategic Business Development and Marketing Specialist to support firm-wide growth initiatives across business development, marketing, communications, and events. This is a newly created position and the first dedicated business development and marketing role at the firm.
The Specialist will serve as the primary resource for all BD and marketing initiatives and will be responsible for day-to-day activities as well as building foundational processes, identifying and implementing relevant tools, and developing a strategic roadmap for this function.
This role partners closely with attorneys, practice group leaders, and leadership teams to drive client-facing programs, elevate the firm’s brand, and support revenue-generating opportunities. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced environment. They will also have exceptional writing and project management skills with strong judgment, creativity, and a client-service mindset.
Key Responsibilities Business Development
Lead or support responses to RFPs, pitches, and presentations; develop written proposal materials, team sheets, and tailored meeting collateral.
Ensure marketing materials and practice descriptions are current, accurate, and on-brand; periodically consult with attorneys to update profiles and practice pages.
Track pipeline activity for assigned practices (e.g., monitoring potential or active business opportunities, new client prospects, and status of pitches) and report on engagement and outcomes.
Assist with preparation for attorney BD meetings and client opportunities.
Maintain practice-specific project lists, matter descriptions, and client lists; lead periodic data cleanup.
Conduct client/market research and competitive intelligence to inform BD strategies; identify speaking opportunities and thought leadership placements.
Provide semi-annual reporting on Chicago marketing activities (awards, pitches, events, directories, etc.) to the Chief Experience Officer.
Attorney Development
Design and lead business development programs and create training materials to support attorney growth in the following areas:
Personal branding (e.g., social media presence, thought leadership).
Networking strategies (e.g., building and maintaining professional relationships).
Client relationship management (e.g., developing trust and long-term partnerships).
Event Planning & Execution (Client-Facing & Internal)
Plan, execute, and monitor logistics for seminars, conferences, receptions, dinners, and sponsorship activities; serve as on-site point of contact.
Lead the webinar production pipeline (vendor coordination, speaker prep, run-of-show, post-event follow-up, and CLE issuance).
Draft invitations, manage RSVPs and mailing lists, track event ROI and engagement, and coordinate branded materials.
Partner with the finance and billing team to monitor departmental budgets and process vendor payments.
Support internal office events as needed.
Marketing & Communications
Draft, edit, and proofread practice descriptions, attorney bios, press releases, client alerts, news items, and internal communications; maintain cadence of wins and announcements.
Manage and drive public relations campaigns; maintain media lists, pitch stories, and track/report coverage.
Develop and maintain marketing collateral (firm overviews, brochures, resumes, presentations) and advise on messaging consistency.
Prepare submissions for legal rankings, directories, and awards (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500) and manage tracking, strategy, and timelines for recognition initiatives.
Digital Content & Brand Management
Maintain and update the firm’s website, intranet, and social channels; ensure content accuracy across bios, practice areas, and social channels.
Build and maintain a social media calendar; coach attorneys on engagement best practices.
Create visual assets and graphics using Canva (or similar); enforce brand standards across all materials and practice groups.
Design, write, and disseminate email announcements and promotional e-blasts; support automation and list management.
Qualifications Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field (preferred).
Minimum 7+ years in marketing/business development in a law firm/professional services/agency.
Legal marketing experience is preferred but not required.
Core Competencies & Skills
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading; ability to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives.
Strong organizational and project management skills; thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
Effective interpersonal communication, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the firm and with external vendors.
Analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize data and capture insights in narrative form; proactive problem-solving.
High attention to detail, discretion, and confidentiality; sound judgment and independent decision-making.
Flexible and adaptable; able to adjust hours and travel as needed for events or business needs.
Technical Proficiency
Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
CRM tools and database management
Website CMS (e.g., WordPress) and intranet management
Design/graphics tools
Webinar platforms; familiarity with email/marketing automation tools
To learn more about our firm and the work we do, visit https://www.att-law.com. Qualified candidates who would like to learn more about this position and the firm should send resumes in confidence to Karla Valenti at kvalenti@att-law.com.
Applegate is committed to equal employment opportunity without consideration of race, color, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, political activity or affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex or gender, or any other basis protected by law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
No lawyer-client relationship created.
Our site content is not intended to create, and receipt of it by visitors to our site does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without first seeking professional and properly licensed legal counsel.
Please do not send us information about your matter without speaking to us first. Please do not send us information about your matter until you speak with one of our lawyers and obtain our advance authorization. No duty of confidentiality is owed to any persons who send unsolicited e-mail messages, mail, or facsimiles to our firm, lawyers, or other employees listed on this site without our advance authorization. There is no lawyer-client relationship duty or obligation created with respect to unsolicited inquiries or contacts without our mutual agreement. Further, absent such mutual agreement, our receipt of unsolicited information will not preclude us from representing any actual or potential adverse party. When you sign and send us an unsolicited e-mail, mail or facsimile, you are agreeing that you will not use our receipt of any information you send us to disqualify us from representing any other party.
By clicking ‘Ok’ you understand and agree to these conditions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr