What are the responsibilities and job description for the Business Development & Marketing Specialist position at Emerson Zane?
About the Firm
A preeminent global law firm consistently ranked among the Vault Law 100 and Am Law 200, this firm is recognized on the American Lawyer A-List — one of the most selective distinctions in the legal industry, reserved for firms that excel across revenue, pro bono, diversity, and associate satisfaction.
With hundreds of attorneys across offices on multiple continents, the firm advises Fortune 500 corporations, leading financial institutions, sovereign governments, and high-growth companies on their most complex, high-stakes matters. Chambers-ranked, Legal 500-recognized, and a perennial honoree on U.S. News – Best Law Firms, it is a place where sophisticated legal work and a collaborative culture go hand in hand.
Position Summary
We are seeking a driven and creative Business Development & Marketing Specialist to join our Business Development team. This role is a critical partner to our attorneys and practice group leaders, helping to grow the firm’s client base, strengthen existing relationships, and elevate the firm’s brand in key markets. The ideal candidate combines strong strategic instincts with hands-on marketing execution skills and thrives in the fast-paced, relationship-driven environment of a professional services firm.
Key Responsibilities
Business Development
- Partner with practice group leaders and individual attorneys to develop and execute targeted BD plans aligned with firm growth objectives.
- Identify, research, and pursue new client opportunities, cross-selling opportunities, and strategic referral relationships.
- Prepare compelling pitch materials, RFP responses, and capability statements tailored to prospective clients.
- Track and report on BD pipeline activity, pursuits, wins, and losses using the firm’s CRM system.
- Coordinate client feedback programs and relationship-building initiatives, including client events and sponsorships.
Marketing & Communications
- Manage and update the firm website, attorney profiles, and practice area content to reflect current capabilities and achievements.
- Develop content for thought leadership initiatives including blog posts, bylined articles, client alerts, newsletters, and social media.
- Oversee the firm’s social media presence (primarily LinkedIn) and develop an editorial calendar to drive consistent engagement.
- Coordinate submissions to legal rankings and directories (Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers) and manage the awards calendar.
- Design and distribute marketing collateral including brochures, practice group profiles, and event materials.
Events & Sponsorships
- Plan and execute firm-sponsored events, CLEs, webinars, and client appreciation functions from concept through execution.
- Manage relationships with external vendors, conference organizers, and sponsorship contacts.
- Attend and represent the firm at industry conferences, bar association events, and networking functions as needed.
Market Intelligence & Strategy
- Monitor industry trends, competitive intelligence, and client news to surface timely BD opportunities for attorneys.
- Conduct research on target clients, industries, and markets to support pitches and strategic planning.
- Assist with the annual marketing plan and budget tracking.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of professional experience in a marketing or business development role, with at least 1 year in a law firm or professional services environment.
- Demonstrated experience developing pitches, proposals, and RFP responses.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to distill complex legal concepts into compelling, client-facing language.
- Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, or similar) and marketing automation platforms.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Experience with marketing databases, market/company research, and project management, preferably
Preferred
- Experience with legal ranking submissions (Chambers USA, Legal 500, Best Lawyers).
- Familiarity with legal industry publications, directories, and conference ecosystems.
- Experience with graphic design tools and the ability to produce polished marketing materials in-house.
- MBA or JD a plus, but not required.
Core Competencies: What We Are Looking For
Client & Relationship Focus
Genuinely curious about clients’ businesses; builds rapport with attorneys and external contacts.
Strategic Thinking
Connects marketing activity to business outcomes; prioritizes high-impact work.
Execution & Accountability
Gets things done with urgency and accuracy; follows through without hand-holding.
Collaborative Mindset
Works well in a matrixed environment; earns trust of attorneys and staff at all levels.
Creativity & Initiative
Brings fresh ideas; doesn’t wait to be told—spots opportunities and acts on them.
Adaptability
Comfortable with shifting priorities and the unstructured nature of BD work.
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:
- Annual performance bonus eligibility
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with firm matching contributions
- Generous PTO, firm holidays, and paid parental leave
- Continuing education and professional development
- Hybrid work flex
- Pet Insurance
- Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Dependent Life Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, & much more
- Transportation benefits
- & MUCH more
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000