Baker McKenzie

The Business Development Manager, Banking, Finance, and Bankruptcy group will deliver the strategic objectives of the Firm's Banking, Finance, and Bankruptcy teams through the effective implementation of business development and client development activities, and ensure these activities and objectives are aligned with the overall Firm strategy.

The role-holder will be an integral part of the Firm's Business Development, Marketing and Communications (BDMC) team, focusing on client targeting, relationship mapping and management, and business development activities that strengthen the Banking, Finance, and Bankruptcy group's profile. The individual will also support business planning, monitoring progress against planned priorities, and developing its strategy for client programming.

Main responsibilities:

• Implement the Transactional practice growth strategy by developing an in-depth understanding of the industry footprint and client base within the legal market to identify new business opportunities
• Work with the industry and practice groups to develop cross-selling opportunities and implement strategies to capture those opportunities
• Act as a central point of contact for lawyers in the Banking, Finance, and Bankruptcy practice to drive client development activities and strengthen our relationships with clients
• Gain and use market intelligence to lead business development strategies and prepare detailed plans to outpace competitors and maintain the group's profile
• Work closely with the lead partners in the Banking, Finance, and Bankruptcy group to create, implement, and drive targeted client business development and relationship management plans designed to maintain and increase revenue
• Research information relevant to the targeted group of core clients and their businesses, identify issues likely to impact upon the client's requirements for legal services and recommend business development activities likely to capitalize on such requirements
• Actively support lateral partners who join the Transactional team with developing, as well as implementing, the marketing, client, and business development aspects of their business
• Work with the head of transactional business development and other transactional team members as a conduit for the Chicago transactional partners to ensure initiatives are executed and proper tracking is maintained
• Firm Positioning and Events: Along with the Chicago Office Client Development team members, coordinate all deliverables associated with identified key sponsorships; Leverage the Firm's involvement to strengthen client relationships and create client and attorney connections across the organization
• Pitching to Win: Assist with the development of proposals, including collecting relevant content such as practice area descriptions, representative matters, and client/matter information; Help to quality assure and produce the final product
• Assist in the preparation of directory submissions, including collecting content and preparing a draft response of the Group’s submission to the directories team, and helping to build relationships with key publications and directories, such as Chambers and Legal 500
• Track all rankings and awards, including the above directories
• Other duties as assigned to develop and drive the North American Business Plan strategy

Skills and experience: 

• A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, business, or related field
• Strong experience in business development, marketing, or other relevant field preferably in legal or other professional services environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and independent, able to work with minimum supervision
• Well-developed and sophisticated organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to relate to and gain the confidence of people at all levels within an organization, as well as an ability to build strong relationships and work in a collaborative environment
• Organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, and the ability to work on multiple tasks with competing deadlines
• Strong computer skills (including Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, or similar)
• High level of discretion, diplomacy, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality
• High level of energy and persistence and understanding of the importance of delivering exceptional customer service to internal and external clients
• Familiarity with the Internet and web-based platforms

Reports to: Associate Director, Head of the Americas Transactions Group

Travel requirements: Flexibility to travel to meetings and events

Position type: Regional North America

Development framework: Manager

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify recruitmentservices@bakermckenzie.com 

Pay Transparency 

• This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked. 
• The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $153,000 to $164,000 (annually or hourly) if located in an office in the state of Illinois. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.