Lathrop GPM, one of the nation's leading law firms, has an immediate opening for a Manager - Business Development in our Kansas City, MO or Minneapolis, MN locations. Reporting to the Director of Business Development, the Business Development Manager ("BDM") is essential to Lathrop GPM's strategic growth. The BDM plays a critical role in evolving the firm's business development strategy, working proactively with assigned practice groups to develop and support initiatives that drive new business from existing clients and prospects. The BDM collaborates with other managers to adopt best practices across all supported groups and serves as a key member of the Client Innovation Leadership Team, working closely with the Chief Client Officer ("CCO"), Practice Group Leaders, Directors of Practice Management ("DPM"), the Director of Business Development, Director of Marketing Operations, and Sr. Manager - Pricing.
Assigned Areas- Practice Group(s): Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Litigation
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESStrategic Planning & Revenue Growth• Partner with the CCO and Director of Business Development to identify and support opportunities for revenue growth from existing and prospective clients, maximizing referral source value.
• Serve as a key member of the department's Revenue Growth Opportunity initiative.
• Collaborate with the Director of Practice Management and Practice Group Leader to develop annual business plans for assigned groups that align with the firm's strategic plan.
• Guide Partners and Counsel in developing Individual Performance Plans to support practice group goals.
Business Development Execution• Oversee all pitches, proposals, and RFPs for assigned groups, ensuring the firm presents its best experience and pricing proposals. Draft content as needed and partner with the pricing team.
• Maintain a robust understanding of supported practice groups, including their products and services, to effectively communicate experience and identify synergies for other clients and prospects.
• Ensure all marketing and business development content accurately reflects group experience and effectively guides targets to hire the firm.
• Stay current on legal and industry trends to identify differentiation opportunities and new niche areas for the firm. Support cross-marketing efforts through regular communication with other business development professionals.
Content & Communication• Ensure attorney-developed content is leveraged across all distribution channels, working with Graphic Design, Communications, and Public Relations resources to tailor information for different audiences.
• Participate in awards and nominations opportunities, leading Chambers USA, Global, and High Net Worth submissions for aligned practice areas and advising communications/PR on candidates for nomination.
Training & Coaching• With the Director of Business Development and CCO, develop and support business development training programs across all firm levels. Provide one-on-one coaching to attorneys as needed.
Relationship Management• Own industry/practice group relationships (e.g., IFA, ACC, ACG, BIO), identifying and leveraging benefits, judging ROI, and reporting on budgeting requirements.
• Support the firm's client interview process by supplying historical, internal, and external data on clients targeted for interviews and suggesting clients for interviews.
Event & List Management• Collaborate with the Events Team to identify and plan client seminars, attorney speaking engagements, and other marketing events and sponsorships.
• Maintain ultimate ownership of mailing lists for supported groups, ensuring accuracy and strategic use for business development initiatives. Act as an ambassador for CRM's importance to business development.
Evaluation & Advisory• Continuously evaluate existing marketing and business development plans, tracking ROI on all initiatives.
• Act as a general advisor for all marketing and business development activities, including identifying opportunities with new and existing clients.
• Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Intellectual Curiosity: Demonstrated interest in how lawyers support the firm's clients.
- Motivation & Creativity: Ability to innovate and help the firm stand out and grow.
- Management: 7-10 years of marketing or business development experience, with significant project management experience.
- Client Service: Ability to manage multiple projects, respond quickly to inquiries, and motivate attorneys while prioritizing workload.
- Budgetary: Proven experience managing project-based and contributing to longer-term marketing and communications budgets.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to leverage established tone and messaging for all externally facing materials.
- Education: Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related field. Law firm or professional services experience preferred but not required.
Current anticipated salary range for applicants in MN as required by applicable state laws is $100,000 - $130,000. Actual salary will vary and may be above or below the range. Full comprehensive benefit plan including health care, retirement plan and paid days off, including PTO, parental leave, and short/long term disability.
The application window is anticipated to close on or after November 8, 2026.
#LI - Hybrid
