Business Development Manager

Thompson Coburn, a large full‑service law firm with offices in eight cities across the U.S., is seeking a full‑time exempt Business Development Manager to join its office in Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, or Washington D.C. With over 450 attorneys and expertise in 50 practice areas, Thompson Coburn is regularly recognized for providing clients with outstanding value and service. Driven by our core values of integrity, innovation and diversity, we collaborate in a welcoming, fast‑paced, and inclusive environment.

Under the leadership of the Senior Business Development Manager for Litigation, this position will formulate, manage, and implement strategic initiatives to raise the profile of the firm for assigned litigation practice groups and offices, and support individual attorneys in their marketing and business development efforts. After a period of training, the role is eligible for a hybrid‑remote work schedule.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the primary marketing team member for assigned litigation practice groups, individual attorneys, and firm offices, developing and executing marketing and business development initiatives, including business development plans; responding to RFPs; and client presentations, seminars and events (including post‑event follow‑up).

Identify and support brand‑building opportunities; support external marketing events and sponsorships by acting as point person with attorneys, event planners, design groups, local office staff and others as needed.

Lead proposal and pitch strategy and development. Participate in team meetings, gather input and data, draft responses and materials, ensure that final product is accurate, effective and delivered on time. Work with the Library to research potential clients.

Maintain proper knowledge management within the firm for assigned practice groups, assisting national teams in collecting attorney experience, ensuring representative matters, case outcomes and experience are current, accessible and leveraged in pitches and marketing materials.

Partner with and coach attorneys on personal branding and visibility, including bio updates, content creation, conference attendance and social media strategy.

Identify and manage relationships with civic, business and trade associations that align with marketing goals.

Work with new lateral partner hires on practice establishment and overall firm integration.

Provide general editing and proofreading of all marketing collateral across communication channels, including print materials, website content (such as attorney bios and client alerts), social media and PR/media placements.

Collaborate with the Director of Marketing & Communications regarding press releases, article placement and attorney PR support.

Work with attorneys to develop and execute business development plans and identify and evaluate new business opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Strong client‑service orientation, excellent communication skills, project management, and ability to generate immediate credibility with firm attorneys.

High level of professionalism and interpersonal skills to work well with employees at all levels and maintain confidentiality, using tact and diplomacy when dealing with others.

Fluent English reading, writing and communication skills; ability to compose documents in appropriate business style, correct grammar and spelling, and convey clear spoken communication over the phone.

Attention to detail, ability to balance multiple projects in a fast‑paced setting, proactively partner with attorneys and stakeholders, and strong time‑management skills.

Ability to reason and apply common‑sense understanding to situations encountered.

Ability to process routine daily functions while resolving sensitive issues and complex assignments using above‑average critical‑thinking skills.

Willingness to travel as necessary.

Full‑time position requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week and, on occasion, work outside normal business hours to meet position requirements.

Experience and Education Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum of five years of professional work experience required.

Minimum of three years of experience in marketing or business development required; prior law‑firm experience strongly preferred, though other professional‑service experience will be considered.

Compensation
For applicants that meet the experience requirements and are physically based in Chicago, IL, the expected salary range is $115,000 – $125,000 annually upon commencement of employment. Starting salary will be determined on an individualized basis with consideration to prior experience and additional qualifications.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance & ADD policies

Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) profit‑sharing plans

Parking/transportation stipend

Section125 plan (pre‑tax premiums and medical reimbursement)

Paid holidays

Paid vacation time

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Employee wellness program

Tuition reimbursement

College savings plan deductions (529 plans)

Long‑term care insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

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