Specialist, Business Development (IP & Commercial Transactions and Advisory practices)

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

The Business Development team supports the firm across a broad spectrum of new business and client relationship-building activities, including launching and sustaining strategic initiatives, creating firm marketing materials, maintaining databases that track firm experience, curating competitive and market intelligence, and coordinating client events.

The Business Development Specialist works closely with partners and other lawyers in our IP & Commercial Transaction practice and various Advisory practices, including Tax and Executive Compensation, among others. The Specialist will work closely with a Business Development Associate Director and Manager to drive and develop the implementation of business and client development initiatives.

The Specialist should have either an understanding of Intellectual Property practices at leading global law firms, complex commercial transactions, or the technology, AI or life sciences industries.  

The Specialist will be a team player who takes an active mentoring role with junior colleagues and is eager to share skills and knowledge accumulated from years of professional experience.

The ideal candidate will view this as a long-term position with opportunity for career growth and progression.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drafting professional and succinct communications to partners and Business Development colleagues

• Attention to detail in managing and organizing presentations, proposals and pitch materials to ensure content reflects substantive strengths, accomplishments and current activities

• Manage complex pitch requests and RFPs

• Manage the drafting and submission of content for numerous legal directories, awards and related industry guides (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR) and related activities

• Maintain matter databases for precedent, marketing and business development purposes

• Monitor and evaluate BD efforts and initiatives within IP & Commercial Transaction practice and various Advisory practices

• Support client teams and assist in the assembly of client plans

• Participate in and prepare for one-on-one meetings with partners

• Maintain and update pitch-related content, such as deal lists, lawyer bios, and ensure consistency across BD outputs

• Support the identification and qualification of new business opportunities by conducting research, analyzing market and client data, and preparing background materials for BD initiatives

• Collaborate with a Business Intelligence team on competitive and market analysis

• Identify, plan and manage sponsorship of and involvement in conferences and events

• Collaborate with the PR and Marketing teams to promote the various practice areas internally and externally

• Delegate and assist coordinators on project requests as needed

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• The ideal candidate should work efficiently and demonstrate a high level of initiative

• High integrity, personal character and professional demeanor

• Natural curiosity when engaging with new trends and practice areas  

• Strong communication skills and ability to prioritize essential points and actionable messaging when communicating with attorneys across various practice areas

• Serve as go-to resource for colleagues within the immediate team and more broadly across the Business Development function

• Strong project development and management skills and a creative, solutions-oriented mindset

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced MS Excel skills

• Advanced research and analytical thinking skills

• Ability to prioritize, organize and meet multiple projects deadlines at one time

• Promote effective work practices, maintain a positive attitude and show professionalism and respect for business services colleagues and firm lawyers

• High sense of responsibility, accountability and focus on responsiveness

• Must be outgoing, comfortable demonstrating initiative, and able to think critically and creatively

• Working knowledge of CRM/Experience Management Software and transaction platforms (PitchBook, Preqin, Capital IQ, etc.)

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required

• 4-6 years of business development / marketing experience at a law firm or professional services firm

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $100,000-$125,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.