Los Angeles - Senior Business Development Specialist, Litigation
Winston & Strawn LLP, Los Angeles, CA, United States
A BOUT US
For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high‑quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team.
Position Summary
The Senior Business Development Specialist, Litigation drives key marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practices within the Litigation Department, primarily Intellectual Property, Appellate, and Environmental. Serving as the main point of contact for attorneys in these groups, the Sr. BD Specialist partners closely with practice leaders, the BD Manager (BDM), and junior BD staff to develop and execute strategic plans, pitches, proposals, and other high‑impact BD efforts. This hybrid role requires strong judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage complex projects while delivering high‑quality, responsive service.
Duties & Responsibilities
Pitch, RFP & Presentation Support:
Develop customized pitches, proposals, and RFP responses, including drafting original content and coordinating needed research.
Oversee production and maintenance of practice‑specific collateral and digital content, collaborating with Marketing Communications on messaging and design.
Strategic Planning:
Support the BDM in developing, refining, and executing strategic plans for assigned practices.
BD & Client Opportunity Identification:
Monitor industry, client, and legal developments to identify opportunities.
For certain litigation practices, review newly filed complaints to flag client and prospect opportunities.
Practice & Industry Knowledge:
Build deep understanding of assigned practices to enhance pitches, presentations, research needs, and BD opportunity spotting.
Client Development & Coaching:
Support attorneys in pursuing new business opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
Intelligence Gathering & Metrics:
Collect competitive intelligence and client feedback for pitches and RFPs.
Track opportunities using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Research & Analysis:
Partner with the BD Research team to deliver targeted research on clients, prospects, competitors, and industry trends.
Develop knowledge of market dynamics impacting assigned practices.
Talent Development:
Mentor junior BD team members on drafting, research, project execution, and other BD processes and legal substance for portfolio.
Provide performance feedback to the BDM.
Project Management:
Manage multiple deadlines and projects, working independently or collaboratively.
Use analytical and creative reasoning to develop recommendations and solve problems.
Lateral Integration:
Help onboard lateral partners by preparing pre‑arrival materials, supporting integration plan development, and coordinating with Talent and Firm Development.
Marketing Collateral & Biographies:
Oversee creation and maintenance of print and digital collateral, lawyer biographies, and website content for assigned practices.
Awards, Directories & Surveys:
Oversee and contribute to submissions for rankings such as Chambers and The Legal 500, managing matter collection and referee submission for vertical as well as drafting for assigned submissions.
Thought Leadership & Events:
Guide development of client alerts, blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and other content.
Oversee firm‑hosted programs, webinars, and sponsorships, including planning, execution, and follow‑up.
Knowledge Management:
Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of BD data—experience records, opportunity tracking, biographical information, and practice achievements—for reporting and marketing use.
CRM / Contact Management:
Ensure timely and accurate CRM data entry for contacts and activities.
Budgets & Expenses:
Contribute to budget planning, track expenses, and ensure adherence to firm guidelines.
Visibility & Communications:
Identify speaking, sponsorship, media, and other profile‑raising opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.
Produce clear, persuasive written and verbal communications.
Special Projects:
Assist the BDM with firmwide initiatives, training, lateral recruiting materials, and other special projects as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
4+ years of relevant professional experience in business development, sales, marketing, or writing required; experience within a law firm, consulting firm, or financial institution preferred.
Experience supporting litigation practices preferred.
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3‑4 days per week.
Competencies
Functional Expertise: Demonstrated experience drafting persuasive pitches and RFP responses; developing and maintaining collateral, biographies, and practice data; preparing rankings and directory submissions; executing BD and marketing initiatives; overseeing events and sponsorships; and applying CRM/database proficiency and budgeting/ROI analysis.
Operational Excellence: Delivers timely, high‑quality work with strong project‑management skills and a focus on efficiency and process improvement. Works independently and demonstrates high proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems and databases.
Problem‑Solving & Judgment: Develops tailored content, identifies issues proactively, and recommends practical solutions. Exercises sound judgment and creativity while working independently.
Collaboration & Communication: Builds strong relationships with attorneys and colleagues through clear communication, responsiveness, and a confident, initiative‑taking approach.
Ownership & Accountability: Takes ownership of work, meets commitments, and consistently demonstrates accountability for results.
Benefits
Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full‑time employees and their families.
Salary
Los Angeles based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $108,000 - $130,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
San Francisco based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $130,000 - $150,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
Washington, DC based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $108,000 - $130,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high‑quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team.
Position Summary
The Senior Business Development Specialist, Litigation drives key marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practices within the Litigation Department, primarily Intellectual Property, Appellate, and Environmental. Serving as the main point of contact for attorneys in these groups, the Sr. BD Specialist partners closely with practice leaders, the BD Manager (BDM), and junior BD staff to develop and execute strategic plans, pitches, proposals, and other high‑impact BD efforts. This hybrid role requires strong judgment, initiative, and the ability to manage complex projects while delivering high‑quality, responsive service.
Duties & Responsibilities
Pitch, RFP & Presentation Support:
Develop customized pitches, proposals, and RFP responses, including drafting original content and coordinating needed research.
Oversee production and maintenance of practice‑specific collateral and digital content, collaborating with Marketing Communications on messaging and design.
Strategic Planning:
Support the BDM in developing, refining, and executing strategic plans for assigned practices.
BD & Client Opportunity Identification:
Monitor industry, client, and legal developments to identify opportunities.
For certain litigation practices, review newly filed complaints to flag client and prospect opportunities.
Practice & Industry Knowledge:
Build deep understanding of assigned practices to enhance pitches, presentations, research needs, and BD opportunity spotting.
Client Development & Coaching:
Support attorneys in pursuing new business opportunities and strengthening existing client relationships.
Intelligence Gathering & Metrics:
Collect competitive intelligence and client feedback for pitches and RFPs.
Track opportunities using qualitative and quantitative metrics.
Research & Analysis:
Partner with the BD Research team to deliver targeted research on clients, prospects, competitors, and industry trends.
Develop knowledge of market dynamics impacting assigned practices.
Talent Development:
Mentor junior BD team members on drafting, research, project execution, and other BD processes and legal substance for portfolio.
Provide performance feedback to the BDM.
Project Management:
Manage multiple deadlines and projects, working independently or collaboratively.
Use analytical and creative reasoning to develop recommendations and solve problems.
Lateral Integration:
Help onboard lateral partners by preparing pre‑arrival materials, supporting integration plan development, and coordinating with Talent and Firm Development.
Marketing Collateral & Biographies:
Oversee creation and maintenance of print and digital collateral, lawyer biographies, and website content for assigned practices.
Awards, Directories & Surveys:
Oversee and contribute to submissions for rankings such as Chambers and The Legal 500, managing matter collection and referee submission for vertical as well as drafting for assigned submissions.
Thought Leadership & Events:
Guide development of client alerts, blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and other content.
Oversee firm‑hosted programs, webinars, and sponsorships, including planning, execution, and follow‑up.
Knowledge Management:
Ensure accurate collection and maintenance of BD data—experience records, opportunity tracking, biographical information, and practice achievements—for reporting and marketing use.
CRM / Contact Management:
Ensure timely and accurate CRM data entry for contacts and activities.
Budgets & Expenses:
Contribute to budget planning, track expenses, and ensure adherence to firm guidelines.
Visibility & Communications:
Identify speaking, sponsorship, media, and other profile‑raising opportunities aligned with strategic priorities.
Produce clear, persuasive written and verbal communications.
Special Projects:
Assist the BDM with firmwide initiatives, training, lateral recruiting materials, and other special projects as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required.
4+ years of relevant professional experience in business development, sales, marketing, or writing required; experience within a law firm, consulting firm, or financial institution preferred.
Experience supporting litigation practices preferred.
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3‑4 days per week.
Competencies
Functional Expertise: Demonstrated experience drafting persuasive pitches and RFP responses; developing and maintaining collateral, biographies, and practice data; preparing rankings and directory submissions; executing BD and marketing initiatives; overseeing events and sponsorships; and applying CRM/database proficiency and budgeting/ROI analysis.
Operational Excellence: Delivers timely, high‑quality work with strong project‑management skills and a focus on efficiency and process improvement. Works independently and demonstrates high proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM systems and databases.
Problem‑Solving & Judgment: Develops tailored content, identifies issues proactively, and recommends practical solutions. Exercises sound judgment and creativity while working independently.
Collaboration & Communication: Builds strong relationships with attorneys and colleagues through clear communication, responsiveness, and a confident, initiative‑taking approach.
Ownership & Accountability: Takes ownership of work, meets commitments, and consistently demonstrates accountability for results.
Benefits
Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full‑time employees and their families.
Salary
Los Angeles based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $108,000 - $130,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
San Francisco based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $130,000 - $150,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
Washington, DC based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $108,000 - $130,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experience.
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