Senior Specialist, Client Development

General Summary

The global law firm of Dechert LLP seeks an experienced client development professional for its Finance and Real Estate, Tax and Private Client Practice Groups, as well as other strategic initiatives as appropriate. This position is based in our Philadelphia office and is responsible for supporting and executing marketing, client and business development, and promotional programs worldwide.

Essential Job Functions

Planning and Operations

• Support the development and manage the execution of business development plans and initiatives for the Firm’s Finance and Real Estate, Tax and Private Client Practice Groups..
• Apply AI-powered tools to enhance the quality and efficiency of marketing and business development outputs in support of the private credit practice, while actively contributing to broader improvements in marketing department workflows and service delivery.
• Manage budget allocations and track return on investment.
• Support and assist in driving the adoption and integration of business development tools, such as the firm’s experience database, CRM and Opportunities tracking.
  
  

Marketing And Business Development Responsibilities

• Working with the firm’s events team, execute conference sponsorships, seminars and events, and other profile-raising opportunities that generate the most value and support with successful implementation and follow through. Identify relevant KPI metrics and measure ROI through tracking and reporting.
• Evaluate and collaborate with attorneys on responses to RFPs and other tailored, high-value pitches and proposals, developing sophisticated materials that showcase client understanding and Dechert’s competitive advantages. Oversee related tracking of pitch efforts.
• Conduct/leverage research and analysis to support client targeting initiatives by helping to identify new business opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Build brand in key market segments by recommending thought leadership topics, tools, formats and ideas for programs and client communications that reach targeted audiences and align with product line objectives.
• Prepare legal directory, league table and other award submissions and develop strategy for maximizing and promoting results.
• Provide business intelligence on key competitors and marketplace trends in an effort to exploit market differentiation.
• Working with Media Relations, evaluate new publication and recognition opportunities to ensure they align with global practice branding strategy.
• Identify synergies with other practice groups and manage related marketing/BD initiatives.
• Oversee the marketing and client development aspects of the on-boarding and integration of new partners.
• Support other marketing department and/or firm wide initiatives, as needed.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong leadership skills with ability to influence and advise partners on direction with strong execution and follow through
• Strong commercial sense and confidence to understand the needs and expectations of the attorneys and clients, as well as how the marketing and business development function can facilitate and drive revenue generation and profile in the market.
• Financial market acumen and business savvy.
• Previous experience with investment management, financial services, and/or bankruptcy/financial restructuring preferred.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, working closely with partners, global marketing/BD colleagues, and other firm departments.
• Capable of using a variety of data (revenue, cost, etc.) to inform the prioritization of practice group business development activities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem solving, organizational and project management skills.
• Detail-oriented and the proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Professional manner with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must demonstrate personal characteristics of the Firm Guiding Principles, covering aspects such as; highest standards of ethics and integrity, client focus, excellence around provision of service and transformational advice.
• Ability to travel as and when needed.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 6 years of marketing in a professional services environment required, preferably a law firm.