Business Development Manager

Job Description:

• Build and manage relationships with industry groups, accelerators, universities, and other startup communities that could benefit from the client’s firm’s legal services.
• Engage regularly with universities and startup venues to create long-term referral networks.
• Attend and evaluate events, sponsorship and hosting opportunities (in-office or virtual) to expand visibility and gather market insights.
• Maintain and update the CRM system to track outreach, relationships, and internal connections.
• Research prospective clients, investors, sectors, and trends to support strategy and inform internal teams.
• Screen potential clients for fit and connect them with lawyers, investors, or service providers as needed.
• Provide guidance to select clients and contacts on business plans, fundraising and competitive landscape.
• Map and track relationships with VCs and early-stage investors, recommending tactics to strengthen these networks.
• Meet regularly with firm partners to share progress, leads, opportunities and feedback.
• Secure and support speaking engagements to elevate lawyer visibility.
• Develop and promote content, including presentations, blog posts and marketing materials.
• Continue developing the QuickLaunch platform, Launch website and related marketing/social media efforts.
• Report deal activity for league tables (e.g., PitchBook) and promote rankings and awards.
• Contribute to directory submissions and award nominations.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the firm’s capabilities, differentiators and competitors.
• Track key metrics and provide monthly/quarterly reports to partners.
• Collaborate with practice groups on business development initiatives and create tailored pitches and presentations.
• Work with Clients & Markets infrastructure to update web/print collateral and bios.
• Lead aspects of lateral partner onboarding and practice group strategic planning.
• Collaborate closely across teams and take on special projects as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of startup culture and ability to advise founders.
• Ability to support BD initiatives across transactional practice groups.
• Knowledge of VC, tech sectors, fundraising trends and business models.
• Understanding of transactional practices (M&A, PE, capital markets, etc.).
• Bay Area startup ecosystem familiarity and relationships.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter able to work independently while securing stakeholder buy-in.
• CRM/Salesforce experience preferred.

Required Experience

• 8 years in legal, tech, management or market analysis preferred.
• 3 years in venture capital, accelerator/incubator management, or BD at a startup-focused organization.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.