Director of Business Development

Gould & Ratner LLP

Director leading business development strategy, client growth, and competitive pursuits for Chicago law firm Gould & Ratner. Managing CRM, analytics, budgets, and attorney development initiatives.

Posted 8/19/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing business development strategies within the legal industry, with a strong focus on client development, competitive positioning, and the effective use of CRM and AI technologies. Proven ability to lead initiatives that drive measurable growth and enhance client relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Business Development StrategyClient Development InitiativesCRM TechnologiesLegal Industry EconomicsCoaching Attorneys

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Business Development LeadershipCompetitive PursuitsProposal DevelopmentMarket AnalysisPerformance Metrics

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationRelationship-BuildingOrganizational SkillsProject Management

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemsExperience Management TechnologiesAI Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeMBAJD

Industry Keywords

Law FirmClient FeedbackCross-SellingClient TransitionSuccession Planning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute the firm’s business development strategy in alignment with firm priorities and market opportunities
Partner with the COO, Executive Leadership Team, and Practice Group Chairs to develop and evaluate strategic business plans for each practice group
Lead firmwide client development initiatives, including cross-selling, client teams, key-client programs, and client feedback efforts
Coach attorneys and hold them accountable for identifying opportunities, executing consistently, and achieving business development objectives
Lead client transition, succession, and lateral integration plans that preserve client relationships and accelerate growth
Lead the firm’s pitches, proposals, RFP responses, and other strategic business development pursuits
Oversee the firm’s CRM, experience management, and related business development technologies, including the responsible use of AI to strengthen data-informed decision-making
Provide market analysis and competitive insight that strengthens the firm’s strategic decision-making and positioning
Develop and manage the business development budget, establish performance metrics, and report progress to firm leadership
Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Chief Financial Officer on aligned initiatives and pricing strategy for major pursuits

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of eight years of progressive business development leadership experience within a law firm
Demonstrated success developing and executing business development strategies that produce measurable growth, including leading competitive pursuits and proposals
Experience coaching and influencing attorneys or other senior professionals in a partnership environment
Strong understanding of legal industry economics, client development, competitive positioning, CRM/business development technologies, analytics, and emerging AI tools
Excellent communication, presentation, relationship-building, organizational, and project management skills
A bachelor’s degree; an MBA, JD, or other advanced degree is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus eligible
Emphasis on professional & business development
Low turnover, collegial and collaborative environment
Healthcare (medical, vision, dental), life and long-term disability insurance
401k and profit sharing
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
Generous vacation, personal, & sick time allowance
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Wellness programs (e.g., in-office gym and massages; 24/7 tele-medicine)
Hybrid in-office/remote role