Job Description of a Law Firm Business Development Director

Although a law firm's primary purpose is to help its clients win and settle court cases, it is also important for lawyers to gain new business to succeed in the marketplace. Business development, a branch of legal marketing, helps lawyers understand their target market and develop meaningful relationships that generate revenue for the firm. Law firm business development directors lead their organization's business development strategy, and often partner with or head their firm's marketing department as well.

Function

• Unlike marketing managers, who produce client brochures and brand logos, law firm business development directors supervise the creation of materials that pinpoint and address client concerns and market trends. For example, business development directors work closely with lawyers to develop presentations that focus on particular legislation such as privacy and copyright issues. It is also common for business development directors to handle response for proposals and create business development plans for the firm.

Education

• Employers require that applicants have a bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, English, marketing or a related field. Since this is a director-level position, some firms prefer candidates with an MBA. College and graduate school courses that help prepare for a career in business development include marketing principles, business law, economics, accounting and statistics.

Skills

• Excellent oral communication, sales, writing and leadership skills are needed as a law firm business development director. Proficiency in computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software is also required. Business development directors in law firms work frequently with marketing professionals and lawyers, so the ability to work well in interdepartmental teams and provide fresh and creative ideas is important. Also, previous work experience with a legal firm is usually preferred for business development roles.

Salary

• The median salary for business development directors in the United States was $135,348 based on a November 2010 Salary.com report. However, PayScale reported in November 2010 that business development directors earned an average salary ranging between $73,236 and $140,593 per year. Total pay for this position, including bonuses, commission and profit sharing, fell between $88,954 and $164,559.

Potential

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, marketing and sales management positions are expected to increase 12 percent during the 2008 and 2018 decade. Because business development positions are closely linked with marketing and sales, the growth of firms' marketing departments will impact business development efforts. The BLS also states that professionals with advanced degrees, strong computer skills and relevant experience will have the best job opportunities during the 2008 to 2018 time period.