Ranked a Best Employer in Canada for 24 years, Bennett Jones is one of Canada’s premier business law firms and home to 500 lawyers and business advisors. With deep experience in complex transactions and litigation matters, and offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and New York, the firm is well equipped to advise businesses and investors with Canadian ventures and connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world. Serving clients since 1922, we are proud to be the firm that businesses trust with their most complex legal matters.

We are currently recruiting for the following role in our Toronto office:

Manager, Client & Business Development (Litigation & Dispute Resolution)

The Role:

The Manager, Client & Business Development is responsible for driving business development initiatives in the firm's Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice through the expansion of existing client relationships and new client acquisition. This role reports to the Director, Client & Business Development and will sit in Toronto, with national coverage and occasional travel to our other offices.

Key responsibilities in the role include:

• strategic planning and execution, working directly with the leaders of the groups identified above;
• advancing client pursuits, prospects and international referral relationships;
• operational oversight of initiatives such as matter reporting, directory submissions, and related content development; and
• coordination with other practices and industry groups to ensure the right resources are included in opportunities and client relationships.

Working with our Marketing, Communications & Brand team, the incumbent will also drive the development and execution of marketing campaigns that bolster the reputation and profile of our Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice. This includes recommendations and execution on content initiatives, events, conferences and sponsorships of value.

This is a hands-on role for a confident and experienced business development professional who possesses strategic thinking and leadership abilities, a keen understanding of litigation and advocacy practices, sound judgment, superior relationship development skills, excellent written and oral communications skills, and demonstrated success in client relationship management and business development.

Essential Functions:

Client Development

• Establish immediate credibility as the "go to" professional for client relationship building and business development initiatives in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and act as the primary client development liaison for lawyers in the firm’s advocacy practices, including commercial litigation, class actions, and others
• Assist leaders of our Litigation & Dispute Resolution department, its related practice groups, industry teams and select Key Client Teams with:
  • development and execution of business plans;
  • development and management of pursuit and prospect lists;
  • information sharing;
  • ensuring accountability against actions; and
  • measuring and reporting results
• Establish and lead processes for the efficient and comprehensive collection of the firm’s litigation experience and its tracking and dissemnation in various channels, including the firm’s matter database, website/bios, directory submissions and other reporting to the firm, working with a dedicated experience management resource on our team
• Direct and, where required, lead strategic pursuit and proposal processes, working collaboratively with our Proposals & Pursuits team
• Working with International Business Development colleagues, manage the international law firm and other referral relationships most relevant to the litigation practices, track activity (visits, referrals, revenue), support and coordinate foreign travel teams, and assist with deepening our most valuable relationships
• Working with our Rankings & Recognitions team, lead on Litigation & Dispute Resolution related directory submissions and developing strategies to elevate the group's rankings
• Develop and deliver high-value reporting tools that support thoughtful business development efforts

Marketing & Profile Building

• Work closely with our Marketing, Communications & Brand team to develop and drive effective profile building campaigns that leverage all channels of promotion
• Research and maintain updated information to guide lawyers' profile building efforts including relevant events, conferences, speaking opportunities, publications and media
• Oversee the timely review and update of content that showcases our expertise in these industries and practices, including website and proposal content
• Work closely with the Events and Sponsorships team to (a) conceive, scope and deliver impactful client events and ensure event management strategy aligns with business development objectives, and (b) provide strategic oversight of client-focused sponsorships, including evaluation of business cases and ROI and making reasoned recommendations to lawyers and management

Qualifications:

• 7 years+ experience in business development within a law firm, professional services environment or in a business with a nexus to litigation and advocacy
• Relevant degree in business or marketing is desired, with an MBA, LLB/JD, or other relevant continuing education considered an asset
• Demonstrated ability to generate immediate credibility and collaborative relationships with senior management, lawyers, peers and administrative staff
• Proven track record in developing, implementing and leading client relationship and business development programs, ideally in Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice areas
• Ability to develop and execute business development strategic plans and campaigns using necessary marketing mix and business development tools
• Strong business acumen; ability to research and analyze trends in practice/industry and identify new business opportunities
• Superior writing and editing skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks concurrently
• Ability to identify and balance the relationship between firm objectives and the needs of internal and external stakeholders

Apply To:

Human Resources
Bennett Jones Services Limited Partnership
3400 One First Canadian Place
P.O. Box 130
Toronto, ON M5X 1A4
E-mail:  hrdepttor@bennettjones.com
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