Business Development Manager

The Business Development Manager will work closely with the Marketing and Business Development Team, as well as firm leadership to develop, lead, and implement marketing and business development initiatives for assigned practice groups, as well as select industry teams and offices. The Business Development Manager will also drive initiatives in support of the firm’s strategic priorities and growth plan.

The individual in this role will help identify new business opportunities, plan programs, seminars, and other client development events; and work with practice groups and individual attorneys to create and carry out business development plans.

What You'll Be Doing

• Provide strategic guidance and proactive recommendations for the development, implementation, and ongoing preparation, review, and updating of marketing and business development plans, materials, and programs.
• Work with Practice and Industry Group Chairs and individual attorneys as the primary point of for initiating, directing, and providing marketing and business development support.
• Collaborate with Practice and Industry Group Chairs in the development of strategic plans to drive near-term and long-term business development goals and present ideas for business development strategies in support of those goals.
• Lead business development and pitch strategy sessions for partners and manage development of pitches, proposals, and RFP responses.
• Help attorneys prepare for business development presentations including preparing reports such as company research, industry trend, competitive intelligence, and recommending appropriate collateral and any other relevant materials.
• Provide coordination, direction, and oversight for practice or industry-specific seminars and conference sponsorships.
• Develop knowledge of practice and industry group clients and proactively consider strategic opportunities to promote practice and industry groups.
• Draft and provide recommendations for legal directory and award submissions to increase practice and industry group profiles.
• In coordination with practice and industry group leaders, plan and participate in team meetings and deliver internal training and coaching related to business development best practices.
• Develop and implement high-level partnering relationships with professional organizations, industry associations, and educational institutions to identify leadership positions, speaking and conference presentation opportunities and sources of referral for attorneys.
• Provide input into the development of firm marketing materials and provide relevant content for the firm’s intranet and internet websites.
• Supervise and mentor Business Development team members to ensure alignment with the firm’s strategic objectives and departmental expectations.

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Marketing, Communication, or business-related areas or equivalent on-the-job experience.
• At least six years of business development and/or marketing experience in a professional services environment, with a strong preference for law firm business development experience.
• Advanced ability to work with all applications in MS Office Suite and familiarity with CRM systems (Legal360) preferred.
• An understanding of overall law firm marketing and client relations/development programs including competitive intelligence, cross-selling initiatives and current supporting technologies.
• Strategic thinker who can translate business goals into actionable business development initiatives.
• High level of initiative, ownership, and accountability.

Adaptability:

• Professional client service manner, responsiveness, flexibility, and adaptability. Demonstrated “client first” mentality.
• Aptitude to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change.
• Capability to work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Competency to work well independently, as well as effectively within a team.

Collaboration:

• Exceptional relationship-building skills with both attorneys and professional staff.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and mentor support team; ability to delegate tasks as appropriate across the organization.

Communication:

• Strong ability to communicate effectively and persuasively (written and oral) and ability to adapt to firm’s culture and brand.
• Solid team player with excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to work successfully with attorneys, clients, staff, community, and vendors.
• Adept at managing confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion.

Problem Solving Skills:

• Ability and confidence to proactively identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions.
• Proficiency in responding to unexpected challenges, including developing innovative solutions to complex problems while maintaining a professional demeanor.

Professionalism:

• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and demonstrate good judgment.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to build credibility with partners, practice leaders, and firm leadership.

Project Management :

• Detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent follow-through and project management skills.
• Strong ability to lead complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Other:

• Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best . We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP . We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Durham, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln); and Washington DC . Our contemporary office spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration; supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our Clients. This position can be based in any of our offices in Milwaukee, Denver, Raleigh, Waukesha, Chicago, Austin, Washington DC or New York City.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and Dynamic Role
• Career Development Planning
• Professional Growth Opportunities
• Performance Management and Coaching
• Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision Care
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

• Competitive Base Pay
• Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
• Outstanding Benefits
• Generous PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with Company Contribution
• Short Term Disability Plan
• Long Term Disability Plan
• Life Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with Collaborative Culture
• Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
• Contemporary Work Environment
• Positive and Respectful Work Climate
• Performance Recognition

For California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois applicants only: The annual compensation range for a BD Manager in our California, Colorado, District of Columbia, and Illinois offices is between $100,000 and $135,000 . The salary range reflects our good-faith expectation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will depend on experience, skills, and internal equity. BD Manager are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, accident coverage, paid holidays, paid time off, and eligible reimbursements. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan. Application review will begin on 08/12/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Submit your application by clicking apply now.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and Michael Best Strategies LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at (414) 271-6560 or [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.