US Business Development Manager – Dispute Resolution

Overview of the Firm and Function

Freshfields is a global law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it most matters, wherever in the world that may be. The Firm has over 2,400 lawyers in 29 offices around the world, providing a comprehensive service to national and multinational corporations, financial institutions and governments.

Our people make our firm - we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally - we don’t just say we are one firm; we act as one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do - we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

About Marketing & Business Development (MBD)

MBD is a dynamic global team which includes business development specialists, research analysts, brand, marketing and communications experts. By working collaboratively, our team shapes the firm’s client strategy, completes analysis of complex business issues, targets opportunities, develops compelling proposals and creates content and marketing campaigns that lead our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields around the globe.

The Dispute Resolution (DR) MBD team leads strategic positioning, visibility, and client service activities for the world’s preeminent Dispute Resolution practice.  Our global litigation team is among the largest and best practices in the world, ranking Band 1 globally by Chambers & Partners and boasting 800 litigators across 29 offices worldwide.

Role summary/purpose of job

MBD is a dynamic, global team that encompasses business development , research analysts, brand, marketing, and communications experts. By working collaboratively, our team crafts Freshfields' client strategy, conducts analysis of sophisticated business issues, targets new business opportunities, develops compelling proposals, and creates content and marketing campaigns that lead our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields around the globe.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

As a Business Development Manager, you will apply your understanding of the Firm’s and US Dispute Resolution Client Strategy to align and drive Freshfields' Business Development and Marketing activities in the region. You will work closely with the US DR Senior Business Development Manager and spearhead the business development activities across the 4 US offices where US DR lawyers are based, including crafting pitches, campaigns, content/credentials creation, directory submissions, and supporting on key client relationships for the practice. You will also work closely with colleagues across other practice areas and geographies to spot opportunities for collaboration and sharing of best practices.  

In this role, you will:

• Help identify and respond to the specific challenges and opportunities for the US litigation and investigations practices
• Identify strategies for new business opportunities by staying informed about clients' present and emerging needs and the issues and trends in their industries and by monitoring litigation alerts.
• Support and execute the US litigation and investigations marketing and business development strategy by being visible, credible and using strong influencing skills to engage the practice group or sectors in the strategy to advance business development activities effectively across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Create and manage compelling proposals and pitches to respond to fast turn-around bids, strategic panels, or other opportunities
• Maintain the quality and accuracy of each practice’s collateral materials, experience lists, and related marketing resources.
• Produce and oversee US litigation and investigations specific content, campaigns, events and relevant directory and award submissions to increase engagement with key clients and enhance the personal brands of leading practitioners and the firm’s global reputation
• Maintain a strong understanding of how AI tools, including Gen AI products, can be used to support and where appropriate automate horizon scanning, research and other functions of the role. Over time, take responsibility for identifying, adopting and leveraging the firm's suite of Gen AI tools to deliver better MBD support, more efficiently.
• Assist in managing and strategically deploy the US DR MBD budget.
• Mentor and guide junior colleagues on live work projects

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 5-7+ years’ experience working for a professional services firm with a particular focus on litigation
• Familiarity with litigation databases and other resources like Bloomberg Law; Pacer; Courthouse News; West Monitor; and Law360.
• Strong emotional intelligence, independent thinking and execution, and sound judgment
• Excellent collaboration skills, with a focus on building strong relationships internally and externally
• Experience managing multiple stakeholders
• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills and demonstrated capabilities to manage multiple deadlines, changing project criteria, and maintaining calm under pressure
• Excellent written, presentation and oral communications skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high expectations
• Natural curiosity and dedication to learning; passion to grow into a well-rounded business development practitioner
• Experience with GenerativeAI tools is a plus, but not required.

Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $140,000 to $180,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at [email protected] , or you can send your resume to [email protected] , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.