Senior Specialist, Business Development; M&A and Private Equity

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world‑class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions.

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The Business Development team supports the firm across a broad spectrum of new business and client relationship-building activities, including the creation of new business proposals and firm marketing materials, upkeep of the databases that track firm experience and client information, competitive and market intelligence, and coordination of client events. The Business Development Senior Specialist will work closely with the Business Development Senior Manager and the rest of the M&A/PE business development team to drive and develop the implementation of business and client development initiatives alongside partners and other lawyers in our M&A/PE practice.

The Senior Specialist will also assist with client pitches, RFPs, presentations and business development materials, events, sponsor ships, legal rankings, league table submissions and other activities. The Senior Specialist will have an understanding of the M&A and PE business, and will deepen this knowledge in the role. The ideal candidate will view this as a long-term position with opportunity for growth and progression.

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strategic management and review of content development for targeted presentations, proposals and pitch materials

• Manage requests for complex pitches, RFPs, and other capabilities presentations

• Manage the drafting and submission of content for numerous legal directories, awards and related industry guides (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR)

• Manage print and digital marketing materials to ensure content reflects substantive strengths, accomplishments and current activities

• Manage league table process/relationships to ensure effective and timely submission

• Maintain matter databases for precedent, marketing and business development purposes

• Monitor and evaluate BD efforts and initiatives within the M&A/PE space

• Prepare and maintain competitive analysis, including analyzing client’s and competitor’s market trends; leverage relevant industry research and news databases and resources to monitor, research and report on market trends and insights, competitor activity, existing and prospective client developments

• Identify, plan and manage sponsorship of and participation in select conferences, industry events and client galas as needed

• Collaborate with the PR and Marketing teams to promote the practice internally and externally

• Knowledge of the energy and infrastructure landscape

• Exceptional oral/written communication skills

• The ideal candidate should have the ability to think broadly and demonstrate a high level of initiative

• Strong project development and management skills and a creative, solutions-oriented mindset

• Strong PowerPoint and Microsoft Office skills with advanced Excel skills

• Working knowledge of CRM/Experience Management Software, such as Inter Action, Content Pilot and transaction platforms (Bloomberg, Pitch Book, Capital IQ, LSEG, Deal Point Data , etc.)

• Advanced research and analytical thinking skills

• Ability to prioritize, organize and meet multiple projects deadlines at one time

• High sense of responsibility, accountability, and focus on responsiveness

• Ability to work collaboratively on a team

• Promote effective work…