Legal Business Development Marketing Manager (Chicago)

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Practice Development Manager to support business growth, client outreach, and market visibility in the Chicago region. This role works closely with judges, internal leadership, marketing, and clients to develop and execute strategic business development initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience in business development, legal marketing, client relationship management, practice growth strategy, and professional services marketing . This person will help expand awareness of the company’s services, strengthen relationships with law firms and corporate clients, and support regional marketing and practice development efforts.

About the Company

Founded over 40 years ago, a global leader in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provides efficient and impartial solutions for business and legal conflicts. With hundreds of experienced professionals and locations nationwide, the organization delivers exceptional client service, advanced technology, and flexible in-person, virtual, and hybrid options.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic practice development plans for judges and assigned markets.
• Build visibility and recognition for the company and its judges through outreach, events, and marketing initiatives.
• Partner with internal leaders to support regional business development and marketing strategies.
• Conduct market research and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities, trends, and target clients.
• Maintain detailed documentation of market activity, strategic plans, and results.
• Monitor outcomes and adjust business development plans to improve performance and meet growth goals.
• Build relationships with law firms, corporations, and other key stakeholders.
• Plan, coordinate, and help lead client-facing events, including roundtables, webinars, legal education programs, and other networking or business development events.
• Work with judges and marketing communications to create and update content, including articles, blogs, social media posts, newsletters, and judge biographies.
• Ensure timely distribution of internal and external communications related to assigned regions, judges, and initiatives.
• Track progress toward annual practice goals and revise strategies when needed.
• Support requests for proposals and presentations for prospective clients.
• Monitor budgets for assigned practice development and marketing initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Management, Operations, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in business development, practice development, marketing, or client relationship management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business-related software tools.
• Knowledge of assigned markets, target practice areas, and judge practice preferences.
• Understanding of the legal industry, including court procedures and legal terminology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a legal, professional services, ADR, litigation support, or client service environment.
• Experience planning events, webinars, client programs, or marketing initiatives.
• Experience supporting proposals, presentations, and client outreach strategies.
• Prior experience in practice development, legal marketing, or law firm business development.

Preferred Skills

• Business development
• Practice development
• Legal marketing
• Professional services marketing
• Client relationship management
• Market research
• Event planning
• Strategic planning
• Legal industry knowledge

Disclaimer

This job description provides only a summary of the typical functions associated with this role and is not intended to represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all responsibilities, tasks, or duties. The actual responsibilities, tasks, and duties assigned may differ from those outlined, and additional duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes to the jobholder’s responsibilities or activities implemented by our clients that differ from those described herein.

SmartHire is posting this position on behalf of our client, and the salary range provided is determined by the client. Actual compensation offered will depend on various factors determined by the hiring company, including candidate qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity considerations. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any changes in salary, benefits, or bonuses made by our clients.