Manager, Client Relations & Business Development, New York

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, is currently looking for a Manager, Client Relations & Business Development (BD Manager), for the Firm’s New York office.

The Manager, Client Relations & Business Development, New York, works as part of a core regional team assisting with business development and relationship management. The objective is to assist in the pursuit of new cross-border business opportunities, enhancing cross-border relationships and increasing the Firm’s overall profile in the U.S. market.

Reporting to and working closely alongside the New York Office Managing Partner and working with our large Canadian Client Relations & Marketing team, the BD Manager will frequently engage with partners and associates across all Blakes offices.

As a member of the Client Relations & Marketing team, you will be involved with:

Business Planning – Working collaboratively with the New York Office Managing Partner and the Chair of the Firm, client relationship partners, individual lawyers and BD Directors on U.S. regional business planning, client relationship management, law firm relationship management, alumni management, cross-border/international business development strategies and related execution
Research – Initiating and managing complex research projects to consider and drive strategic direction for assigned U.S. regional initiatives and legal practice business opportunities, working collaboratively with the Client Relations & Marketing and Business Intelligence teams to analyze data, prepare research reports and continuously improve the scope and utility of available data and presentation resources
Business Evaluation – Developing quantitative and qualitative analytics to review and support U.S. and cross-border marketing/BD opportunities and investments relating to relationship management, new business opportunities, brand awareness and other initiatives that seek to leverage investments for optimal return
New Business Proposals – Working collaboratively with lawyers and internal proposal and pricing teams to advise on strategy, develop customized new business proposals and help prepare legal teams for pitches
Awards and Rankings – Leading the strategic planning and preparation of key U.S. regional directory and award nomination submissions, working collaboratively with Firm leadership and other members of the Client Relations & Marketing team to optimize nomination submissions and track recognition outcomes
Industry Associations – Developing plans and providing ongoing evaluation that help grow relevant legal sector and industry association relationships in the U.S., at both the national and regional levels, and lead the evaluation and execution of sponsorships, events and other opportunities
Events – Leading the conception, planning and delivery of strategic events in multiple U.S. jurisdictions, in collaboration with the New York Office Managing Partner and the Client Relations & Marketing, Events and Marketing Technology teams
Website and Digital – Working with the Digital team to develop and update relevant U.S. regional online content and support cross-border and practice specific social media strategies
Marketing Communications – Developing and advising on the execution of targeted marketing campaigns, publications and other profile-building opportunities that focus on select legal practice specialization and industry-sector experience relevant to U.S.-based clients and BD targets
BD Budget – Working with the New York Office Managing Partner to develop annual BD/Marketing budgets and regularly monitor expenses

Qualifications
Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in business/marketing or equivalent is required
Minimum of five to eight years of BD/marketing experience, preferably in the professional services sector, working as a manager or in a similar role
Bilingual (English/French) capability is an asset but not required

Skills/Abilities:

Self-motivated, able to operate independently within a small, representative office focused on cross-border business development
The ability to adapt to multiple areas of law, industry sectors, regional initiatives and unanticipated demands, and the ability to work cross-functionally across different levels within the Firm, from high-level strategy tasks to more general administrative duties
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong client-service orientation in order to incorporate strategic objectives to prioritize multiple demands and provide appropriate and responsive service
Strong business acumen for understanding budget management, developing business cases for new investments and proactively researching and assessing opportunities resulting from key changes in market conditions
The ability to provide sound guidance to team members and various stakeholders at all levels, including coaching lawyers on BD planning and execution
Strong interpersonal skills to develop and grow relationships, internally and externally, based on a foundation of patience, tact, confidence and the ability to influence key stakeholders
A creative thinker who initiates, shares and embraces new ideas for continuous improvement and creative solutions to challenges
Able to proactively engage and coordinate across internal service teams, Firm leadership, Canadian and international offices, legal practice groups and industry sector initiatives
A strong proficiency in technology and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as required
The ability to manage project teams by developing and utilizing detailed project plans, workback schedules and role assignments

How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please submit your application along with a cover letter and résumé directly to our application portal.

Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Who We Are
At Blakes, we are all about our people. We are committed to not only providing exceptional client experiences, but also fostering an open and inclusive workplace culture for legal professionals and administrative professionals. As a winner of the Canada’s Best Diversity Employers award, as well as the Greater Toronto’s Top Employers award, we know that diversity and inclusion are not simply initiatives on the perimeter of our business — they are the core of our success. We understand the importance of cultivating an environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a Firm starts with the hiring, development and retention of top talent.

Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment comprised of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures.

The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Blakes operates in the U.S. under a separate partnership, Blake, Cassels & Graydon (U.S.) LLP.