Job description

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we\'re committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field.

With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development - providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone.

We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We\'re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences - whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work. What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.

Department purpose

Our global marketing, business development and communication teams contribute to the setting and achievement of the firm\'s business objectives, which includes strengthening our client relationships, winning new clients, increasing the visibility of the firm and its brand positioning globally, and supporting our partners and associates in their pursuit of becoming our clients\' trusted advisers. The function works as one team across the globe with very close collaboration between professionals supporting offices, practice groups, sectors and clients and the central groups, such as Communications.

Role purpose

An integral member of the Banking and Projects business development (BD) team, comprising 11 partners and 30+ fee earners as well as responsibility for progressing specific Banking and Projects initiatives as outlined in the responsibilities section.
We are looking for this role to be undertaken as a virtual 6 month secondment/FTC - The role will not be based in Dubai.

Key Relationships

Regional Managing Partner and Office Managing Partners; Middle East Business Development team; partners and fee earners; peers across the global business development, marketing and communications teams, Legal Project Management and Advanced Delivery teams.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Business planning and advice - provide focus to the delivery and direction of BD activities. Play a key influencing role with partners on all Banking and Projects business development activities and projects for A&O Middle East. Demonstrate commerciality when selecting an appropriate marketing service for the brief and provide bespoke solutions. Recognise opportunities and be proactive in developing projects to tackle them

Proposals - take the lead role on and supervise the preparation of strategic proposals, panel pitches and subsequent beauty parades. Ensure the teams follow best practice. Capture proposal outcomes and engage with fee earners to act upon feedback

Client relationship management - assist partners and associates in the management of strategic client relationships and coordinate client targeting efforts across the office and region. Work with the CRM leads on specific client tactics, obtaining client feedback, client presentations and training

Systems - work with the BD Coordinators to manage internal marketing systems and tools, including maintaining effective mailing lists, ensuring team members are prompted to review and update intranet and internet pages and coordinating the reporting of statistics on completion of experience records. The role-holder will have a key part to play in making suggestions to enhance the efficiency and operation of these tools across the Banking and Projects teams

Processes - improve efficiencies around the day-to-day tasks of the team and keep existing processes up-to-date. Ensure best practice is followed throughout the department

Key Requirements

Graduate or equivalent

Law firm Business Development experience essential, including provision of dedicated practice area support (Banking and / or Projects preferred)

Personable, with a track record of successfully influencing high status individuals in a partnership or similar

Pitching experience is essential

Team orientated with a willingness to share ideas and experiences

Experience of delivering successful marketing initiatives, with fresh thinking on business challenges

Good organisational skills - able to prioritise (especially urgent requests) with strong time management skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (especially ability to network and to be clear, concise and influential with partners and associates)

Excellent writing and accuracy skills

Able to work well under pressure and to drive through major projects to completion

Strong relationship building skills with the ability to gain respect and credibility quickly

Able to identify tasks to stretch and challenge others based on their abilities, conduct performance reviews and provide feedback

An interest in learning about all facets of Banking and Projects would be beneficial

Area of expertise

Marketing

Office

UAE - Dubai

Working arrangement

Remote working

Allen & Overy