Business Development Manager

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in London, the Business Development Manager will be responsible for for providing guidance and input on the London business plan (including target lists, high impact client relationships, publishing and speaking opportunities, and other related initiatives) and drive execution. Along with other team members, this position will lead on related pitches and RFPs ensuring the firm is strategic in its approach and positioning itself to win the work. This role will also work closely with local and international business development colleagues to lead cross-practice initiatives, contribute to team infrastructure and other strategic projects as needed.

This role reports to the Sr. Manager of Business Development based in the London office and will work alongside the London Practice Group Manager for Transactional.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead the overall business development and marketing efforts for assigned practices and/or regions as well as providing support for individual partner business objectives.
• Lead and oversee preparation of pitches, RFPs (with RFP team) and other client facing materials including leading strategy sessions, internal debriefs and tracking outcomes.
• Spearhead the drafting and maintaining of practice-specific marketing materials and collateral including experience lists and the collection of relevant matters.
• Support the practice’s key client efforts and work with colleagues to ensure the identification, development, and growth of high-value clients.
• Lead client teaming efforts for selected clients relevant to assigned practices, helping to coordinate strategies and execute action items to develop relationships.
• Lead client targeting initiatives to cross-pollenate relationships both within and outside the London transactional team, liaising with Business Development colleagues and lawyers globally.
• Collaborate with functional managers on relevant visibility and speaking opportunities, communications, recognition, directory participation and digital marketing initiatives.
• Contribute to the execution of seminars, events (with the events team), conference sponsorships and other targeted marketing activities, contributing strategically to invite lists and the business rationale behind such activities.
• Act as a lead on additional related projects within the Department or Firm as assigned.
• Manage one direct report and assist Sr. Manager with team management and contribute to development and advancement of the early tenure marketing team members.

Qualifications

• Exceptional professional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with lawyers at varying levels including firm leadership.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Experience of line managing junior team members.
• Solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firms and the ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and many constituents.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional in Microsoft office (Outlook, Excel, Word PowerPoint).
• Familiarity and comfort with AI tools including ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot and others.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work outside business hours and occasional travel as needed.

Experience

• University degree.
• 5-7 years of experience in professional services, legal preferred.
• 2+ years of team management experience preferred.
• Experience with strategic business development planning and pitching, with transactional knowledge preferred.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Location:

London

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.