Business Development Manager- IP

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a renowned national law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 18 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr offers a diverse group of mentors, colleagues, and friends, and strong leadership that provides support and encouragement for career growth.

Ballard Spahr has a great opportunity currently available for a dynamic and successful business development professional to join the Marketing team as a Business Development Manager (BDM) supporting the Intellectual Property (IP) department. This position reports to the Senior Director of the department and offers a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days in the office per week. Preference will be given to candidate who reside in Philadelphia, Seattle, Portland, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Atlanta and Denver.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.

• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.

• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

Under the direction of the department’s Senior Director, the Business Development Manager (BDM) will support the Intellectual Property (IP) department. 

The BDM will be an important part of our Business Development and Marketing team and will be required to work closely with the IP department leadership, practice group leaders, industry teams, Marketing department leadership, attorneys, and other marketing team members to support the development of new business and to deepen existing client relationships.

The BDM is responsible for developing and implementing business development plans, as well as identifying opportunities for current and potential clients. In addition, the BDM will be integral in building brand awareness for the firm, aligning those efforts with broader firm and department goals. Successful team members must be resilient, focused, creative, and demonstrate a collaborative and consultative working style.

Essential Functions

• Work with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders, to create and implement strategic business development plans and promote the firm’s services while understanding, addressing, and aligning our efforts with targets and clients’ objectives.

• Develop and maintain a rolling pipeline, which tracks targets, opportunities, and progress updates to help attorneys achieve goals.

• Provide business development coaching in group and one-on-one settings and supports lawyers in the development of their individual attorney business development plans.

• Manage and drive follow-up on assigned business development initiatives and coordinate business development efforts across practices and industries.

• Assist with the development and management of practice group budgets, including providing insight into the return on investment of expenditures.

• Gather and provide intelligence on emerging market and industry trends to provide attorneys with an understanding of the competitive landscape and to position the firm for increased effectiveness in winning new business.

• Manage the compilation, development and maintenance of relevant database contacts/mailing lists.

• Work with Communications to identify press opportunities.

• Provide IP content and positioning for pitch materials, proposals, and RFP responses, and occasionally lead proposal responses.

• In collaboration with the client events and communications teams, oversee the strategy and development of events, sponsorships and other marketing/communications activities.

• Build relationships with key organizations as a market-facing resource and ambassador for the firm.

• Ensure the compilation and maintenance of relevant practice-related content, materials, and experience.

• Attend firm required training and education programs.

What We’re Looking For:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate independent judgment, strategic and diplomatic thinking and have the ability to lead business development efforts while building consensus. The ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines, combined with a strong work ethic and a team player attitude are indispensable.

Required Experience:

Requirements include a college degree with experience in legal marketing; excellent writing, editing, communication (oral and written), project management, interpersonal, and analytical skills; strong computer proficiency a must (including knowledge of CRMs and marketing databases), significant business knowledge and experience; and an intense client service attitude. Prior law firm experience supporting IP practices is required. In lieu of IP experience, a law degree will be considered. Some travel may be required.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website

The salary range for this position is from $140 to $165k depending upon experience and location.

Resume, cover letter and salary requirements are required. 

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are ready to play a vital role in the Firm’s success, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our commitment to excellence.