Our client, a highly regarding law firm with offices in Houston, Texas, is searching for an experienced Business Development Specialist to join their team. The Business Development Specialist will work closely with the Business Development Manager and Events Coordinator in Houston on all BD activities, including pitches, directory submissions, league tables, industry and client research, conferences, events, and other profile-raising activities. The practice areas currently supported by the team in Houston include Capital Markets, Commercial Transactions & Outsourcing, Corporate/M&A, Projects, and Tax. Our attorneys in the Houston office have a strong focus on the energy sector.  This position will collaborate with partners, lawyers, and business development and communications colleagues in the Americas and across the global network to support initiatives both domestically and internationally. Additionally, the role will involve working on initiatives identified by the Business Development Manager – Houston office and the BD team leadership. The firm offers a hybrid schedule, three days in the office and two days remote.

 

Responsibilities:

• Pitching & proposal support – Assist with the preparation of capability statements, tailored client proposals, and RFPs. Responsible for maintaining business development materials, including practice group descriptions and lawyer biographies.
• Events – Assist the Business Development Manager and collaborate with the Events Team to plan and facilitate client events, sponsorships and seminars (including staffing events where appropriate).
• Managing information – Proactively engage with associates to ensure that they feed into our experience database and capture and maintain deal information for league table submissions, directory submissions, pitches, partner biographies, awards and other external and internal communication activities. Manage relevant mailing lists within our CRM database for targeted client and prospect mailings.
• Legal Directories – Work with the Business Development Manager and the global directories team to manage the annual legal directory submission process for the various product groups.
• Research & Analysis – Conduct research on clients, competitors, and industry sectors to prepare partners for client/pitch meetings and to feed into business/client plans in the region.
• Communications – Work with the Business Development Manager and the regional Communications Team to profile our practices and deals both internally and externally.

 

 

Requirements:

• 4+ years business development/marketing experience in a law firm setting is required
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Knowledge of the US energy market
• Must have superior client service skills demonstrated through:
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and with colleagues of all seniority levels
  • Ability to work under pressure and to manage competing needs
  • Proactive and positive approach
  • Commitment to quality and attention to detail
  • Analytical and research skills
  • Understanding of our clients’ commercial objectives and marketplace
• Must keep abreast of market developments pertaining to the practice area and develop a deep understanding of the practice area's offerings, clients and markets
• Must have strong proficiency in Microsoft Office; proficiency in Interaction or CRM systems preferred
• Ability to work outside of core business hours as needed
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States