Litigation Business Development Manager Jobs in California

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This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

We are seeking a Manager, Client Development - Litigation to lead and execute strategic business development initiatives across Goodwin's Litigation and Dispute Resolution practices. This role serves as a senior advisor to litigation practice leaders and industry teams, driving go-to-market strategy, overseeing high-value pursuits, and ensuring alignment across the Client Development team and with the Client Value team. The Manager will be responsible for elevating the strategic positioning, operational execution, and overall performance of litigation business development efforts firmwide.

What You Will Do:

Lead the development and execution of comprehensive business development plans for primary and sub-litigation practices, aligning with firmwide growth priorities and industry strategies.

Serve as a strategic partner to litigation practice leaders, advising on market positioning, client targeting, cross-selling opportunities, and institutional client strategies.

Oversee and drive high-value pitch and RFP responses, coordinating across the Client Development team and with the Client Value team to develop competitive fee proposals, alternative fee arrangements, and differentiated value propositions.

Direct and manage client relationship-building initiatives designed to institutionalize key litigation clients and expand revenue opportunities.

Provide structured reporting and analysis of business development performance, including pipeline activity, win/loss ratios, referral sources, return on event investments, and overall initiative effectiveness.

Lead cross-practice and cross-geography business development initiatives, including client team programs, strategic account planning, and industry-aligned campaigns.

Oversee competitive intelligence efforts in collaboration with the Market & Competitive Intelligence team, monitoring competitor litigation activity, rankings performance, and strategic positioning.

Manage integration and onboarding strategies for lateral partners and senior hires within litigation practices, ensuring alignment of business development priorities and client outreach.

Identify, prioritize, and manage key organizations, sponsorships, conferences, and industry events aligned with litigation growth strategies.

Oversee development and management of budgets related to litigation marketing memberships, sponsorships, hosted events, and strategic initiatives.

Supervise event strategy and execution, including contract negotiation, benefit maximization, invitee targeting, relationship mapping, and post-event ROI analysis.

Ensure litigation practice descriptions, credentials, experience materials, and web content are strategically positioned, current, and aligned with industry messaging in coordination across the Client Development team.

Oversee matter tracking and experience management processes to ensure accurate and timely capture of litigation representations for proposal, pitch, and ranking submissions.

Lead the strategy, review, and submission of rankings, league tables, and industry recognitions in partnership across the Client Development and Communications teams.

Coach and advise partners on personal business development strategies and accountability, driving measurable outcomes and strategic execution.

Partner with Communications leaders to shape public relations and thought leadership strategies that enhance visibility and market reputation of the litigation practices.

Provide leadership, mentorship, and direction across the Client Development team supporting litigation initiatives.

Drive operational efficiencies, process improvements, and best practices across litigation business development activities.

Who You Are:

Minimum BA, BS, or equivalent degree required.

6+ years of progressive experience in business development, practice management, or marketing within an AmLaw 100 or comparable professional services environment, ideally supporting litigation or dispute resolution practices.

Demonstrated experience leading complex RFPs and strategic initiatives.

Prior experience managing or mentoring team members preferred.

Strategic thinker with strong leadership, project management, analytical, and budgeting capabilities.

Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior partners in a complex, fast-paced professional services environment.

Strong executive presence and ability to interact with partners, clients, colleagues, and service providers at the highest professional level.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong editorial judgment.

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives simultaneously in a matrixed organization.

Strong computer skills including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite; experience with InterAction, Microsoft Dynamics, or other CRM systems preferred.

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Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• Retirement & Savings Plan

• Emergency back-up child and adult care

• Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Employee recognition and reward programs

• Employee wellness and assistance programs

• Employee discounts and perks

This position is eligible for overtime: NoThe Target Salary Range For This Position Varies By Location And Is Commensurate With Relevant Experience: Philadelphia: $117,000- $135,000 | Boston & Washington Dc: $120,000 - $145,000 | New York: $130,000 - $150,000 | San Francisco: $140,000 - $160,000