Business Development Manager - M&A and PE

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in Dallas, the Business Development Manager will lead business development, marketing, and visibility initiatives for the M&A and Private Equity practices. Working closely with partners, the Director of Business Development, and colleagues across the firm, the Manager will translate practice and partner priorities into actionable plans to strengthen client relationships and pursue new business.

The Manager will oversee pitches and proposals, develop practice materials, and coordinate targeted client outreach and visibility initiatives. The role also includes supporting other transactional practices and lawyers as needed and contributing to the development of junior team members.

This role reports to the Director, BD.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute business development plans for the M&A and Private Equity practices and assigned regions, aligned with practice priorities and individual partner objectives.
• Support key client initiatives and collaborate with colleagues across practices and offices to identify opportunities to deepen relationships, expand work with existing clients, and pursue prospective clients.
• Lead the strategy, preparation, and delivery of tailored pitches, proposals, and other client-facing materials, partnering with the RFP team as appropriate. Coordinate internal strategy sessions and debriefs, track outcomes, and manage follow-up.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of practice materials, including standard pitch decks, deal lists, matter descriptions, and other credentials, ensuring content is accurate, current, and readily available.
• Collaborate with colleagues in communications, digital marketing, and other functions to identify and pursue speaking opportunities, media visibility, awards, and legal directory recognition.
• Plan and oversee client events, seminars, conferences, sponsorships, and other targeted marketing activities in coordination with the events team and relevant colleagues.
• Assist the Director with team management, including mentoring junior team members and supporting their professional development.
• Lead additional department and firm projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional professional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with lawyers at varying levels including firm leadership.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Strong project management and time management skills.
• Solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firms and the ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and many constituents.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional in Microsoft office (Outlook, Excel, Word PowerPoint).
• Outstanding problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work outside business hours and occasional travel as needed.

Experience:

• University degree.
• 5-7 years of experience in professional services, legal preferred.
• 2+ years of team management experience preferred.
• Experience with strategic business development planning and pitching, with transactional knowledge preferred.

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Compensation & Benefits:

The annual compensation range for this position is $175,000 - $185,000. The salary offered within this range will depend upon qualifications and other operational considerations.

Benefits offered for this position include health care; retirement benefits; paid days off, including sick time, and vacation time; parental leave; basic life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts; as well as discretionary, performance-based bonuses.

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