A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.
We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.
Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.
What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.
Role purpose
The Business Development Officer reports to the Head of Business Development & Marketing at A&O Shearman Belgium. The role sits within the wider Belgian BD & Marketing Team consisting of junior, mid-level and senior Business Development & Marketing professionals working harmoniously together with lawyers and business teams to deliver stellar commercial support. You will primarily be covering our Antitrust, Real Estate and Employment Litigation practices. The role is based in our Brussels or Antwerp office. You will be an integral part of a market-leading team consisting of both lawyers and staff members.
Role and responsibilities
As the trusted commercial adviser to your assigned practices, you will:
1. define and implement strategic BD planning for the Belgian offices in line with global/regional objectives;
2. advise and lead on winning profitable work by delivering high-quality, innovative commercial proposals (requests for proposals, panel pitches, short turn-around capability statements, etc) including:managing the pitch process (from scoping kick-offs and determining the preferred approach to drafting the pitch and obtaining client feedback);fielding our relevant global product offering (sector, product, pricing, Advanced Delivery Services etc);
3. help your lawyers develop and closely monitor client relationships, and be involved in the preparation and follow-up of effective client-relationship meetings, with a specific focus on selected key clients;
4. be responsible for knowledge management of markets, prospects, and clients (data collection and reporting), and share information with key stakeholders by drafting tailored client briefing notes.
In addition, and with the help of other departments and/or external providers, you will:
5. support the organisation of events, seminars and webinars;
6. participate in internal and external communication projects (both national and international);
7. develop compelling client collateral;
8. coordinate and contribute to submissions for legal directories and awards.
Who we are looking for
You are an energetic, proactive business development professional with:
9. a Master’s degree in Law, Economics, Marketing, Management, Business Administration or in another relevant area;
10. between 3 to 7 years’ experience in a similar role, preferably in a professional services environment (including law firms);
11. a commercial mind-set, combining market awareness with a solid understanding of how international businesses operate;
12. an excellent knowledge (written and spoken) of English, a good knowledge of Dutch and/or French would be a plus;
13. excellent verbal and written communication skills;
14. strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with your stakeholders within the (global) firm, including lawyers, personal assistants, your BD & Marketing colleagues abroad, as well as members of our Business teams;
15. a strong client-focus and results-driven approach;
16. the versatility to work both as a team player and autonomously in a highly professional and demanding environment;
17. an eye for detail and strong analytical skills;
18. excellent computer skills.
Application process
Please upload your application by clicking ‘apply for job’. Thank you for adding your CV and cover letter to support your application.