Business Development Specialist

Dentons US LLP is recruiting for a Business Development Specialist to support its globally recognized and Chambers National "Band 1" Hospitality and Leisure practice - the largest dedicated hospitality team in the United States. This role will play a proactive part in advancing business development and marketing strategies, with a focus on supporting lawyers in generating new client relationships, expanding existing client relationships, and strengthening the firm's brand in the marketplace. This hybrid position may be located in our Chicago, Phoenix or New York offices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market analysis and industry and competitive intelligence research to identify business development and go-to-market opportunities; investigate and develop information to assist lawyers with targeted outreach and relationship-building initiatives
• Collect, draft, and maintain matter and deal summaries and representative experience for use in pitches and RFPs, bios, legal directory submissions, website content, annual reviews, press releases, and internal reporting
• Maintain and update core pitch materials and marketing collateral to reflect recent sector experience, representative matters, evolving strategic priorities, and appropriate team members
• Draft and complete awards and rankings submissions (including Chambers, Legal 500, and similar directories) and lawyer recognition nominations, ensuring accurate tracking of matters and appropriate credit
• Maintain tracking systems for deal activity, submissions, and business development initiatives, ensuring data integrity and organized recordkeeping, while proactively managing timelines, identifying next steps, and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and execution
• Collaborate with practice group leaders and lawyers to develop and execute strategic business development and market visibility initiatives, including curated client programs, speaking engagements at national and international industry conferences, seminars, and webinars, as well as the preparation of presentations and related materials
• Provide support to lawyers in the creation, preparation, and coordination of RFPs, proposals, and pitches for new business development, tailoring content to respond to client needs and ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely submission
• Work with cross-functional teams to create, develop, and distribute thought leadership, client alerts, post-event follow-up, and other communications in compliance with firm policies and brand standards
• Update and maintain client and prospect mailing lists and CRM records to support coordinated outreach targeting key industries and audiences
• Contribute to internal onboarding, including orientation support and drafting bios for new lawyer hires
• Other duties may be assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position

• 5+ years of marketing and business development experience in a professional services industry, with preference given to law firm experience
• Ideal candidate will be a results-oriented, self-motivated individual with a strong professional presence and the demonstrated ability to prioritize, adapt, manage multiple assignments and deadlines and function as part of a cohesive team
• Proficient at issue-spotting and possess a strong intellectual curiosity about the business of law
• Highly organized and possess strong creative abilities and excellent writing skills, as well as the ability to think strategically and analytically
• Ability to work effectively at all levels within the organization, as well as with firm clients and industry partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Proficiency with AI-driven tools and CRM systems, and experience using marketing automation and analytical tools, is a plus