Business Development Manager (Law Firm)

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands.

We’re hiring a Business Development Manager for a 6-month contract role with a prestigious global law firm. This hybrid position requires candidates to be within commuting distance of one of the following cities: Chicago, Dallas, New York, Houston, or Washington, DC, with on-site presence needed four times per month.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in driving business development and marketing initiatives across high-profile corporate practice groups, including capital markets, public companies, funds, and real estate. If you’re a seasoned legal BD professional with deep experience supporting corporate practice areas, this role offers a chance to work with top-tier legal talent and contribute to strategic growth initiatives at a globally recognized firm.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proposals & RFPs: Lead the creation of compelling proposals and RFP responses; mentor junior team members on strategic writing.

• Practice Operations: Collaborate with the Director of Practice Operations to implement BD programs and initiatives.

• Lateral Integration: Coordinate onboarding and integration of lateral hires in partnership with Talent and Firm Development teams.

• Directory Submissions: Manage rankings and awards submissions with attorneys and the marketing team.

• Strategic Planning: Support execution of strategic plans and priority BD initiatives for assigned practice groups.

• Client & Industry Strategy: Ensure BD efforts align with firmwide client and industry team strategies.

• Marketing & Events: Oversee marketing collateral development, event planning, sponsorships, and ROI tracking.

• Data & Analytics: Leverage CRM and marketing automation platforms to track client engagement and identify business opportunities.

• Budget Oversight: Manage BD budgets, approve expenditures, and recommend strategic investments.

• Market Intelligence: Monitor trends and analyze market opportunities relevant to assigned practices.

• Team Leadership: Supervise and develop BD team members; provide coaching and support professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 7+ years of experience in business development, marketing, or sales within an AMLaw firm.

• Demonstrated experience supporting corporate law practice areas.

• Prior management or team leadership experience preferred.

• Must be based in or near Chicago, Dallas, New York, Houston, or Washington, DC, with the ability to be onsite 4x/month.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, professional environment.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including PowerPoint and Teams.

• High level of discretion, adaptability, and professionalism.

• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours when needed.

If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on a strategic role with a world-class legal team, apply today and our recruitment team will connect with you to guide you through the next steps.

Employer Details:

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.