Winston & Strawn LLP

Compensation

Full Description

About Us For Business Professionals, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire business professional team. Position Summary Winston & Strawn is seeking an Associate Director of Client Development to support the firm’s Industries & Markets strategy. This role will partner closely with industry leaders, practice group leadership, and firm management to drive coordinated, market-facing growth initiatives across priority sectors and geographies. The Associate Director will play a critical role in translating firm strategy into actionable business development plans, strengthening client relationships, and positioning Winston & Strawn as a leading firm in targeted industries and markets. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of how sophisticated clients buy legal services, experience operating in a matrixed law firm environment, and the credibility to work effectively with senior partners and firm leadership. Duties And Responsibilities Team Leadership & Management • Lead the corporate vertical within the client development team and own line management, oversight of workflows and outputs, and expectation and goal setting for team members. • Create synergies across additional client development verticals and share best practices to strategically grow the department’s approach to scaling and expanding client relationships. • Identify and nurture growth opportunities for team members, setting stretch goals and ensuring that roles are consistently monitored for performance management and that talent gaps are identified and rectified. Industry & Market Strategy • Serve as the senior most business development advisor to connect across industry groups and market teams. • Partner with industry and market leaders to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with firmwide growth priorities. • Conduct market, client, and competitive analyses to identify opportunities for expansion, client penetration, and differentiation within priority industries and geographies. Client Development & Relationship Management • Support team members in developing and implementing account plans for key industry and market-aligned clients. • Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships through cross-practice collaboration and integrated client solutions. • Oversee preparation of client briefings, relationship reviews, and market intelligence to inform partner outreach and engagement strategies. Pitches, Proposals & Business Opportunities • Oversee team leading and managing pitches, proposals, and RFPs tied to industry and market initiatives, ensuring strategic positioning and high-quality execution. • Work closely with partners to articulate compelling value propositions, relevant experience, and sector-specific insights tailored to client needs. • Coordinate with pricing, finance, knowledge management, communications, and marketing teams to support opportunity development. Thought Leadership & Market Positioning • Oversee team collaborating with industry leaders and communications colleagues to identify and promote thought leadership, speaking engagements, client programs, and sponsorships aligned with priority sectors. • Drive the development of industry-focused marketing content and campaigns that enhance the firm’s visibility and credibility in the market. Data, Reporting & Infrastructure • Leverage CRM and related systems to track opportunities, client activity, and industry initiatives. • Analyze performance metrics, pipeline data, and market trends to assess effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments. • Contribute to reporting for firm leadership on industry and market business development efforts. Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, or similar) a plus. • 8+ years of progressive business development or marketing experience in a large law firm or professional services organization required. • Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week. COMPETENCIES • Demonstrated experience supporting industry-focused or market-based growth strategies. • Strong understanding of client buying behavior, industry dynamics, and competitive positioning in the legal or professional services market. • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, client-focused messaging for senior audiences. • Proven ability to manage complex initiatives, balance multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. • High degree of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion. • Strategic thinking and commercial acumen. • Relationship management and influence. • Data-driven decision making. • Executive presence and confidence with partners. • Collaboration across teams and offices. This description indicates the general level and nature of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Benefits Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here . SALARY Washington, DC applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $217,000-$248,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. W e are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.