Business Development Specialist, Transactions

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Schulte is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,750 lawyers and 3,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault and others. We are also certified by Great Place to Work. 

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office. 

With us, you’ll find: 

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!  

• Enthusiasm for all perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.  

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.  

  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.   

Job Description:

The Business Development Specialist in the Transactions Practice, supporting the Structured Finance, CLOs and Alternative Assets Group, supports attorneys to drive business development (BD) strategies, expand client relationships, and increase revenue and brand recognition. This position collaborates with the broader BD, Marketing and Communications teams on day-to-day activities, including managing client and prospect events, responding to requests for proposals and pitch opportunities, preparing market and client analysis reports, analyzing data, supporting cross-sell initiatives and conducting business and market intelligence research. The Business Development Specialist works under minimal supervision and relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Develop responses for request for proposals (RFPs) and pitches, including market research on the opportunity to ensure customized and tailored responses
• Draft and own maintenance of business development collateral and experience tracking, including brochures, one-pagers and presentations
• Track new and existing client opportunities in Salesforce and analyze relevant information to provide recommendations for client development opportunities
• Oversee client event and conference logistics, including assisting with agendas and program material development, speaker logistics and communications, attendee tracking, recruitment strategy and follow-up as well as providing onsite support and liaising with other departmental teams as needed
• Provide support as needed for coordinators and/or other junior members on the BD team, including providing mentorship and feedback
• Lead legal directory and award submissions with outside consultant/project manager
• Compile business and industry research in support of new business opportunities
• Assess and support execution of strategic sponsorship and partnership opportunities
• Collaborate with BD Managers/Associate Directors as needed on cross-selling initiatives, client coverage and client feedback teams
• Work with partner leadership to track progression of initiatives and coordinate group BD calls, including agenda development, confirming presenters and circulating follow-up materials

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 5-7 years of related work experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
• Familiarity with client relationship management (CRM) software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to travel and work flexible and/or fluctuating hours

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.
     Target Hiring Range $105,000 - $132,000
Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on