Business Development Manager

Description & Requirements

The Business Development Manager will be instrumental in advancing the office's strategic growth objectives through the development and execution of business development and client engagement initiatives. Serving as a trusted advisor to New York partners, this position is responsible for driving client development efforts that support the New York office's priorities and maximize client retention and growth while aligning with the Firm's broader strategic goals. Law firm experience is required.

This role is an integral part of the Firm's In-Market Client Development team. The BD Manager will lead and execute client development initiatives that strengthen the Firm's market position, support key client relationships, and drive measurable outcomes, including for major sponsorships, client programs, events, marketing collateral, and pitches and proposals. The BD Manager will have one direct report and will be responsible for managing their workload and professional development, while also providing oversight and guidance to other junior team members as needed. 

Responsibilities:

• Firm Profiling and Events – Collaborate with the client team, practice groups, events team, and others to develop, organize, and execute cross-practice events taking place in the local market. Responsible for creating and managing critical dates and timelines, drafting and managing all internal and external communications for programs. Oversee maintenance of the office's client mailing list. Analyze and track event effectiveness and return on investment.

• External Engagements – Evaluate, recommend, and manage key sponsorships and networking opportunities with professional organizations and associations in the local market. Manage all deliverables associated with office-identified key sponsorships. Leverage the Firm's involvement to strengthen client relationships, and create client and attorney connections across the organizations. 

• Business Development – Support the New York office by working independently and with the broader BD team to identify new business opportunities. Work with the industry and practice groups to develop cross-selling opportunities with key clients, and to implement strategies to capture those opportunities. Conduct sophisticated market, competitor, and client research to identify emerging opportunities, industry trends, and strategic targets.

• Client Relationship Management – Work with the client team to support strategic client development projects, including the Firm's global client program and regional targeting initiatives, to identify opportunities for revenue growth, cross-selling, and deeper client engagement. Provide overall support for activities that focus on target clients in the local market, including implementing targeted plans designed to maintain and increase revenue, and monitoring and reporting on client development activities and outcomes. 

• Marketing Collateral – Responsible for the development and maintenance of office-specific marketing collateral, capability statements, pitch and proposal materials, and other client-facing content. Helps to quality assure and produce the final product. Responsible for obtaining and verifying that information is readily available for use in Directory submissions, marketing materials, CVs, and proposals.

• Proposals – Work with the Global Client Pursuits team, and provide input into the development of proposals including drafting and collecting relevant content.

• Brand Management – Ensure the Firm's brand and that of the office is maintained, and implement the various activities supporting the brand of the Firm and that of the office. Create advertisements as required in support of Firm-sponsored activities and purchase promotional items for use at client events.

• Budget Management – Develop business cases for budget requests based on business planning. Monitor annual budget expenditures for the office and seek funding from global sources where appropriate.

• Client Entertainment – Manage client entertainment opportunities, including sporting and sponsored events and other opportunities in the local market. Work closely with attorneys to identify appropriate clients and prospects, maximize relationship-building opportunities and client engagement outcomes. Provide hands-on events support as needed to ensure successful execution. 

•  Work as part of a project team on strategic projects/marketing opportunities as identified by leadership.

•  Other duties as assigned to develop and drive the Firm's strategy.

Skills and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in marketing, communications, marketing, business, or a related field
• Strong experience in business development and marketing, or another relevant field in a law firm environment and with partners/senior executives
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to lead high-level client calls and present to senior stakeholders and partners
• Ability to lead, motivate and mentor direct report, inclusive of diligently addressing performance concerns and resolving conflict
• Self-motivated and independent, able to work with minimum supervision
• Well-developed and sophisticated organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to relate to and gain the confidence of people at all levels within an organization, as well as an ability to build strong relationships and work in a collaborative environment
• Organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills, and the ability to work on multiple tasks with competing deadlines and coordinate competing priorities
• Excellent computer skills (including Outlook, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, or similar)
• High level of discretion, diplomacy, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality
• High level of energy and persistence, and understanding of the importance of delivering exceptional customer service to internal and external clients
• Familiarity with the internet and web-based platforms
• Flexibility to travel when needed and work long hours during peak training and meeting periods

About us

Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders.

Additional Information

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify recruitmentservices@bakermckenzie.com 

Pay Transparency 

• This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked. 
• The US base compensation for this position is expected to be $142,000 to $174,000 (annually or hourly) if located in an office in the state of New York. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Requisition ID: 3415

Posting Date: 20-Oct-2026

Location Type: Hybrid

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time