Business Development Specialist

THE FIRM

At Alston & Bird, an international law firm, we take pride in our work through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has been recognized for Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For©” for 25 years in a row. This accolade, along with many others, fosters a continuous drive for innovation and professional development amongst our employees. Here at Alston & Bird, we have built a foundation of trust, consistency, and humanity that contributes to our overall success.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Alston & Bird is an international law firm with more than 850 lawyers in 13 locations worldwide. Established in London in 2019, Alston’s London office has expanded through strategic growth to 34 lawyers, including 14 partners across Corporate & Litigation Areas. We provide partner-led strategic advice and efficient, cost-effective legal services to UK and international clients.

Our London team advises on a broad spectrum of domestic and cross-border legal issues, including in the areas of Corporate/M&A, Funds, Private Equity, Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, International Arbitration, Data Privacy & Cybersecurity, Competition Law, Litigation, Regulatory and Restructuring.

Our commitment to building long-term relationships with clients as well as establishing new ones has led to the office being consistently recognized by leading legal directories, including Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The Business Development Specialist will be part of the Client & Practice Development Team and work closely with U.S. colleagues to both support practices in the London office with business development initiatives and foster a culture of cross-pond collaboration through strategic alignment with U.S. practice groups. The role will be an integral part of the firm's global Marketing & Business Development Department.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships with London-based lawyers to serve as point of contact for day-to-day marketing and business development needs, and identity marketing and branding opportunities for the office/market.

• Prepare pitches and RFPs, including conducting/analyzing market research and analysis on prospect companies and business sectors.

• Proofread and copyedit client-facing and internal marketing materials.

• Coordinating with lawyers and the global marketing team on award nominations, surveys and submissions for directory and ranking authorities such as Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR.

• Make recommendations for and coordinate sponsorships, memberships and event attendance at client and industry events in order to increase the visibility and influence of the firm in the London market.

• Understand the London office’s initiatives, including practice group strategy and key client relationships.

• Ensure content on website, biographies and in the firm’s proposal database is current and updated proactively.

• Support London office initiatives in coordination with the practice group’s Business Development Managers in other firm offices and office leadership, and ensure these activities are tracked in relevant databases.

• Collaborate with marketing and other business professionals across the firm.

• Be knowledgeable of firm systems, software and conversant in technology used by marketing team and firm and identify and implement opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency.

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• A self-starter and team player, able to accept direction, yet work independently.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to interact with people at all levels.

• Demonstrates the ability to confidently interact with the firm’s attorneys and actively supports their business development opportunities.

• Attention to detail.

• Excellent prioritization and time management skills.

• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment.

• A commercial, pragmatic and positive outlook, responding effectively to rapidly changing circumstances and remaining calm in the face of pressure.

• High level of proficiency using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Qualifications:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Solid experience in a marketing or business development role and team.

• Experience at a law firm or professional services firm is preferred.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background check will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at [email protected].

Alston & Bird is not currently accepting resumes from agencies for this position. If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if Alston & Bird hires the candidate.