Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national multi-practice law firm serving clients across a range of industries. With a commitment to client service, innovation, and strategic growth, the firm is seeking a forward-thinking business development leader to help drive its next phase of success.

The Business Development Director will serve as a key member of the firm’s Marketing & Business Development leadership team, playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s growth and market presence. Reporting to the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer, and collaborating closely with the Director of Marketing, the Business Development Director will bring deep industry experience, innovative thinking, and strong relationship management skills to align business development strategies with firmwide goals. This is a highly visible role that requires a forward-thinking leader who can enhance client engagement and position the firm for continued success in a competitive legal market. The ideal candidate must also be adept at translating strategies into actionable tactics and effectively managing their execution to achieve desired outcomes.

Business Development

• Collaborate with firm leaders to create and implement actionable business development plans and strategic initiatives for practices and industries
• Launch a robust industry group initiative focused on strengthening market reach and enhancing cross-selling efforts firmwide
• Design and guide strategies to strengthen client relationships, improve client retention, and support targeted client growth
• Oversee the preparation of client presentations, RFPs, and pitches, ensuring the highest quality work product
• Evaluate sponsorships, events, RFPs, and industry participation implementing a clear decision-making process to prioritize opportunities that deliver the greatest strategic value and impact
• Collaborate with firm and team leadership to ensure content and experience remains current and supports best in class client facing marketing materials and collateral
• Provide coaching and training to attorneys to help them develop new business, expand existing relationships, elevate their brand, and drive market demand
• Lead the development of a high-impact client and market intelligence function that leverages research and competitive analysis to drive smarter, more strategic business development.

• Oversee firmwide cross-selling initiatives, supporting expansion of client relationships by collaborating across practices
• Lead the develop and execution of tailored integration roadmaps for new lateral hires, including regular check-ins, identifying cross-practice opportunities, and proactively address client integration gaps.

Leadership and Management

• Provide vision and leadership to the Business Development team, hiring and enabling a high-performing, proactive culture through effective performance management, communication, and ongoing development
• Identify, implement, and continuously refine marketing strategies, tactics, tools, and procedures utilizing data-driven insights
• Provide clear leadership that establishes credibility with firm leaders, attorneys, staff and clients
• Evaluate and monitor existing business development efforts on an ongoing basis; track practice development activities and expenditures and measure results
• Develop a clear system for prioritizing marketing and BD efforts across practice groups, offices, and industries to maximize impact with limited resources
• Drive collaboration with the Practice Management Team on all business development and marketing efforts

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 7 years’ experience in professional services and/or legal marketing
• Extensive experience leading a team of BD professionals and translating vision into action
• Strong executive presence
• Understands marketplace trends and implements innovative solutions and improvements
• Handles ambiguity, influences others, and finds ways to move initiatives forward to meet critical deadlines and produce results
• Strong work ethic combined with the flexibility to travel to the firm’s other offices, as needed
• Bachelor’s degree required