Practice Development Manager

Vedder's Chicago office is seeking a Practice Development Manager. The Practice Development Manager for Litigation is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing, business development and client engagement initiatives that support the firm's litigation practice groups. This role serves as the primary marketing partner for litigation attorneys and practice group leaders, driving growth through targeted campaigns, client programming, market visibility and competitive positioning. Significant responsibility and autonomy will be afforded candidates who demonstrate independent judgment, strategic and diplomatic thinking and the ability to function effectively at several levels.

The PD Manager will also provide daily oversight of a PD Coordinator (individual assignments vary) ensuring the timely completion of marketing-related activities. The PD Manager analyzes and resolves work issues on a day-to-day basis under supervision of the Director of Marketing and Practice Development. In this supervisory role, the PD Manager is accountable for the work and actions of the Coordinator they oversee.

As the Practice Development Manager, your job duties will include but not be limited to:

Strategic Business Development & Client Growth

• Partner with practice chairs and working group leaders to advance business development strategies for litigation practice areas, including identifying trends and opportunities, expanding existing client matters, and pursuing cross-selling opportunities.
• Work with the Director of Marketing and Practice Development to develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy for assigned litigation practices.
• Identify business development opportunities, coordinate attorney teams to pitch new business and drive such opportunities from concept through execution.
• Facilitate planning, implementation and follow-up of new business and cross-marketing opportunities across the firm.
• Support the integration of lateral partners, including targeted client planning, internal connections and coordinated marketing and BD support.

Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning

• Keep abreast of trends and developments in litigation to identify and recommend targets and provide support for expanding existing client relationships.
• Gather intelligence on emerging market and industry trends to provide attorneys with an understanding of the competitive landscape and position the firm for increased effectiveness in winning new business.
• Conduct industry research and develop knowledge about firm clients and key industries; oversee client and market research and analysis, including researching litigation, corporate and individual profiles.
• Actively participate in increasing the firm’s visibility in target industry sectors and markets through networking, participation in industry organizations and developing high-value opportunities and business connections for attorneys.

Pitches, Proposals & RFP Management

• Develop high-impact pitches and RFP responses by aligning client objectives, competitive positioning and differentiated firm value propositions.
• Manage the litigation practices’ responses to RFPs by drafting responses, coordinating attorney teams, and tracking language and outcomes.
• Coach partners and senior lawyers in preparation for key client meetings and pitches.
• Coordinate the creation, development and assembly of practice group collateral materials, including one-off pieces, to support business development efforts.

Directories, Awards & Profile-Raising

• Lead the strategy and execution for legal directories and awards, including Chambers, Legal 500 US, and other practice-recognition submissions; draft and submit submissions and references and leverage rankings in business development materials.
• Identify matters or issues that are potentially media-worthy and surface them to the Media Relations team for PR, awards and other media placements.
• Identify and support profile-raising opportunities for litigation practice areas, including sponsorships, in-house presentations, conferences and professional speaking opportunities.

Content, Collateral & Digital Presence

• Develop print and digital collateral and content, including website content.
• Develop thought leadership content strategies, including bylined articles, client alerts, blog posts practice group newsletters and presentations in support of litigation attorneys.
• Manage practice group web content, ensuring accuracy, relevance and alignment with brand standards.

Events & Client Programming

• Coordinate timely webinars and client events with the Events Team, including conceptualizing and managing seminars, roundtables and client receptions tailored to litigation audiences.
• Lead coordination of sponsorships, speaking opportunities and litigation-focused conference participation.

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively, proactively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Strong writing skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and deadlines and ability to work well under pressure
• Strong project management skills, including independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to work well in a team as well as independently
• Flexibility to work additional hours, as necessary
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Qualifications & Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; major in Marketing or Business preferred. Advanced degree (MBA or JD) a plus.
• Minimum of 7 to 9 years of marketing and business development experience within professional services required; law firm experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of law firms or professional services organizations
• Demonstrated experience supporting litigation practice groups strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory experience required.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), WordPress, Adobe InDesign, and CRM platforms (e.g., Intapp, Salesforce, Foundation).
• Experience with marketing and financial databases preferred; aptitude for learning new software strongly preferred.

Compensation Range:

$105,000/yr. to $125,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.

Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at [email protected].