Job description

• Assess economic trends and market needs for legal services in relevant markets, understand market potential for those services, and analyze competing firms in industries and regional markets. Based on research and firm wide strengths and opportunities, work with BD director and relevant partners to develop and drive marketing strategies that capitalize on industry and regional targets that complement global strengths.
• Work closely with internal client groups to track practice trends, competitive intelligence and market opportunities for the groups; support to develop annual business development plans, including related strategies and goals, budgets, milestones, actions, timetables, accountability, progress measurement and ROI. 
• Work closely with BD Director and partners to develop and implement plans for ensuring continued revenue enhancement, strong client service and detailed cross-selling efforts for agreed key clients.
• Proactively seek and follow up on opportunities to meet and cross-sell legal services across the client base and to potential clients.
• Support business development efforts of BD Director and partners, including coaching them on business development opportunities, helping them pursue targets, expand relationships and respond to RFPs and related opportunities, provide strategy for selecting and leveraging regional, practice and industry conferences, seminars, speaking engagements, participation in professional panels, and industry events.
• Work with the Media & Communications team to support media relations efforts associated with the practice groups, by identifying topical issues (matters of significance the lawyers are working on, developing client/legal trends, external news we may be in a position to comment on, new additions to office(s), awards/distinctions, etc.) and reporter outreach, and assist in accessing lawyers who may be in a position to provide commentary.
• Coordinate industry body involvement to raise firm and lawyer visibility in key industry segments/markets.
• Oversee the production of targeted and differentiated collateral material (in particular for China Inbound and Outbound), including practice descriptions, sell sheets, representative deal lists, publications, event materials and other related communications. Ensure local/regional/industry materials, transactions, and capabilities are incorporated in the firm's marketing database(s).
• Collaborate with the firm's BD Director to ensure execution of firm wide initiatives and best practices.
• Share current plans and areas of focus, as well as best practices to help those resources support regional, office-, practice- and industry-driven efforts.

Skills & experience

• A dynamic, creative and determined individual.
• The ability to motivate and influence partners.
• Good coaching experience at a senior level.
• Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills with a strong team orientation. Experience of working effectively within a geographically dispersed team.
• Professional in attitude and able to work under pressure.
• Self-motivated, with a high level of initiative and persistence.
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to demonstrate credibility through written and verbal communications.
• Excellent listening skills and an ability to work with a considerable amount of complex and detailed information.
• The drive to focus on a number of different projects and ensure that all deadlines are met.
• Excellent drafting and proof reading ability, in English language, Chinese will be an asset.
• Flexibility regarding hours, dependent on operational needs.

Technical skills/Qualifications:

• Business/Marketing/Communication/Law degree level. MA as a minimum requirement.
• Professional Marketing qualification would be desirable.
• The individual will preferably have over 5 years' experience in a similar role, ideally within a professional services organisation. An understanding of the legal environment is preferable.
• Project management skills.
• Highly competent use of MS Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

How to apply

Interested candidates shall send an application including a 1 page cover letter stating current location, VISA situation (if required) and timing to start the job together with a detailed CV to Ms. Mireia Paulo mpaulo@a-zlf.com.cn. Only shortlisted candidates (that have sent all relevant information and met requirements) will be contacted for an interview.