ABOUT THE ROLEBaker Botts is seeking a Special Advisor, Client Development - Transactional to join our Client Development team in our Dallas or Houston office. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned business development leader with deep experience advising senior executives and partners on complex, high-value client pursuits to contribute meaningfully to accelerating revenue growth across the Firm's highest-priority clients, sectors, and transactional practices, including M&A, Corporate, Private Equity, Finance, and Project Finance. In this role, you will work closely with relationship partners and practice leaders to enable and amplify partner-led business development through strategic collaboration, market intelligence, and differentiated client positioning.
As Special Advisor, this individual will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Firm's leading relationship partners, helping them identify, pursue, and convert high-value business opportunities while transforming how Baker Botts positions its capabilities in the marketplace. The strongest candidates will bring a blend of three capabilities: sales instincts backed by a well-cultivated network; analytical rigor; and a strategic marketing sensibility to help map and execute a best-in-class client growth strategy.
This is a full-time, hybrid, exempt position reporting to the Chief Client Officer.
WHAT YOU'LL DOPrimary Responsibilities- Serve as a strategic growth partner to the Firm's leading relationship partners and practice leaders, developing and executing tailored growth plans for priority clients and prospects.
- Identify cross-selling opportunities and whitespace within existing client relationships, coordinating executive-level engagement strategies to expand practice penetration.
- Lead the creation of executive-level pitch materials, opportunity briefs, and client presentations that position Baker Botts as a strategic business advisor rather than solely legal counsel.
- Establish disciplined pipeline management processes to track strategic opportunities from identification through engagement, providing visibility into pursuit progress and revenue impact.
- Leverage CRM platforms, deal databases, and market intelligence tools to identify high-probability opportunities and inform business development priorities.
New Client/Matter Acquisition- Identify and qualify prospective clients aligned with the Firm's strategic priorities, focusing pursuit efforts on the highest-value opportunities.
- Cultivate and sustain relationships with business leaders, legal executives, bankers, private equity professionals, board members, and other key influencers who can open doors to new client relationships.
- Generate introductions and meetings for Firm lawyers, converting relationships into tangible business development opportunities.
- Develop and execute targeted pursuit strategies for priority prospects, tailoring outreach and positioning to each opportunity's dynamics.
- Advance opportunities from initial relationship through engagement, applying a consultative approach that builds trust and demonstrates the Firm's value.
- Maintain a well-cultivated personal network that serves as an ongoing source of introductions, market intelligence, and new business opportunities for the Firm.
Additional Responsibilities- Coach partners and client teams on consultative selling techniques, executive storytelling, and value-based messaging for C-suite executives, boards, and private equity sponsors.
- Monitor market developments, investment activity, and competitive dynamics across key sectors, including technology, AI, energy, infrastructure, private equity, and capital markets, to identify emerging opportunities.
- Partner with Firm leadership on strategic planning initiatives, client investment decisions, and firmwide growth priorities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
WHAT YOU'LL BRINGRequired- Bachelor's degree required; JD and/or MBA is desirable.
- 15+ years of experience in business development, professional services, investment banking, consulting, corporate development, or a related commercial leadership role.
- Extensive experience leveraging CRM platforms, deal databases, and market intelligence and data analytics tools to inform client targeting and growth strategies.
- Exceptional executive presence and the proven ability to build credibility with partners, C-suite executives, boards of directors, general counsel, and investors.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential client and firm strategic information with sound judgment and discretion.
Preferred- Experience within a law firm or other sophisticated professional services organization.
- Strong understanding of corporate transactions, M&A, private equity, finance, capital markets, and related industries.
SUCCESS IN THIS ROLEA successful Special Advisor will quickly build credibility with the Firm's leading relationship partners and become a trusted resource for shaping and advancing their highest-priority client pursuits. Within the first 6-12 months, success looks like a disciplined, visible pipeline of strategic opportunities across priority clients and sectors, partner adoption of more consultative, insight-driven pursuit materials, and measurable progress converting whitespace and cross-selling opportunities into new engagements.
HOW YOU'LL WORKWork Model: Hybrid; based in the Dallas or Houston office with regular in-office presence expected to support partner and client engagement.
Schedule: Full-time, standard business hours, with flexibility to accommodate client meetings and travel as needed.
Physical Requirements: Routine office environment. Must be able to sit at a computer for extended periods. Occasional lifting of files and materials up to approximately 10 lbs.
