Client Relationship Manager

Location: Atlanta

Position summary The Client Relationship Manager is a client‑facing role supporting the development and advancement of the firm's strategically important client relationships. The role partners closely with Client Relationship Leaders (CRLs), Practice/Industry Group Leaders (PG/IGLs), and client teams to help drive a coordinated, informed, and commercially focused approach to client engagement. Reporting to the Director of Client Development – Financial Institutions, this position requires a strong client relationship manager who combines sound judgment, collaboration skills, and commercial awareness to support partners and client teams.

Job duties and responsibilities Key Client Support Manage a select portfolio of financial institution clients, partnering with CRLs, PG/IGLs, and client teams. Lead and influence the development and execution of client growth plans aligned to client priorities. Plan and execute strategies to strengthen client relationships and expand work across practices, industries and geographies, in partnership with the CRL and client teams.

Lead client prep meetings with lawyer team, including presenting relevant research points and working with the lawyers on messaging that emphasises our value-add. Develop and analyze external and internal client relationship reports, leveraging key internal functions from graphics to pricing team. Lead coordination and strategic positioning for panel appointments, re-panel processes, and pitch preparation; follow up with client contacts/lawyers post-pursuit to obtain feedback on outcome, and analyze post-pursuit feedback to inform future relationship and business development strategies Drive strategic client team meetings, oversee relationship mapping initiatives, and assist partners in maintaining key client connections.

Monitor and evaluate progress against client plans and metrics on key financial institution clients to support reports for leadership. Client Insight and Analysis Partner with the Strategic Intelligence Team to build knowledge of assigned clients, including business performance, industry dynamics, and competitive positioning. Synthesize client insights and feedback into clear, actionable, and strategic recommendations for CRLs and client teams, exercising independent judgment in evaluating business opportunities, relationship risks, and client development strategies.

Lead and advise on strategic client initiatives such as events, thought leadership, secondments, and feedback programs. Lead the collection and interpretation of client feedback, advising partners and client teams on relationship strategies, service improvements, and opportunities to strengthen client engagement. Collaboration and Team Contribution Collaborate with Director of Client Development – Financial Institutions to provide client development best practices and CRL/lawyer coaching across the firm.

Partner cross-functionally with Marketing and Business Development Department to support client activity. Contribute to knowledge-sharing and best practices across the Client Relationship Team. Act as a trusted strategic adviser to partners and collaborate with teams across the firm to properly leverage skillsets and drive efficiencies. Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree required

Experience:

5-8 years' demonstrated experience in business development, account management, marketing, or a position focused on growing business, ideally in a professional services environment.

Skills:

Client service mindset Ability to multi-task and manage multiple deadlines Ability to deliver impactful and timely service with little supervision Strong analytical skills Strong networking skills – ability to think about how, when and where to connect the right people to specific opportunities Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal Ability to build strong relationships with all levels of lawyers, with the confidence to challenge and coach them on client development best…