Legal Business Associate Jobs in Illinois

About Us

Founded in 1992, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is a nationally recognized, full-service litigation firm with seven offices and a longstanding reputation for excellence in advocacy and client service. The firm represents businesses, institutions, and individuals in complex litigation and transactional matters nationwide across a broad range of industries and practice areas.

For more than three decades, the firm has built its reputation on delivering practical, strategic, and results-driven counsel while developing lasting relationships with its clients. Swanson, Martin & Bell combines the resources and capabilities of a sophisticated litigation firm with a collaborative, collegial culture and a strong commitment to the professional growth of its attorneys and staff. To learn more, visit: www.smbtrials.com.

Position Summary

Our Firm is seeking a Director of Marketing & Business Development to lead our Marketing department. This individual plays a vital role in shaping and executing Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP’s marketing strategy to drive business growth, client acquisition, attorney visibility, and Firm reputation. This is an excellent opportunity for a marketing professional who enjoys combining strategy, analytics, and relationship development in a sophisticated legal environment.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and highly collaborative professional who can manage multiple priorities, work effectively with attorneys and executives, and turn data and market insights into actionable business development opportunities.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s marketing and business development function, overseeing strategy, day-to-day operations, departmental budgeting, vendors, and firmwide initiatives.
• Work closely with the Executive Committee and CFO to develop and implement firmwide marketing and business development strategies, priorities, budgets, and special initiatives.
• Develop and execute business development strategies, including attorney business plans, individual coaching, practice group marketing, cross-marketing initiatives, and client development efforts.
• Partner with practice group leaders and attorneys to identify marketing and business development opportunities, establish goals, and support sponsorships, conferences, events, and client-facing initiatives.
• Manage the firm’s external communications and brand presence, including website content, social media, press releases, advertising, media monitoring, firm photography, attorney headshots, and brand materials.
• Manage legal industry rankings, awards, surveys, and submissions, including Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Law360, Crain’s, Chicago Lawyer/Law Bulletin, and miscellaneous surveys.
• Maintain firm credentials and experience materials, including verdict and representative matter databases, master experience lists, practice group materials, and other business development collateral.
• Oversee attorney profile management, including website biographies, marketing materials, attorney announcements, and marketing processes for new and departing attorneys.
• Plan and coordinate marketing and business development programs, events, and initiatives that support attorney engagement, client development, and firm visibility.
• Support the firm’s internal committees with communications, events, sponsorships, and marketing initiatives.
• Manage marketing vendors, contracts, invoices, and outside partners, including designers, photographers, venues, and other service providers.
• Collaborate with firm leadership and administrative departments on firmwide initiatives, policies, processes, and special projects.
• Monitor and respond to incoming marketing and website inquiries, ensuring requests and potential opportunities are routed to the appropriate attorneys or departments.

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field is required.
• 8+ years of proven experience in marketing or communications is required, preferably within a legal environment.
• Must live within a commutable distance to our Chicago office with the ability to come into the office 5 days per week (Monday-Friday).
• Experience advising partners, senior executives, or other professional stakeholders on marketing and business development strategy.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing external vendors and driving accountability against strategic objectives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and budget simultaneously.
• Strong business judgement, discretion, and decision-making skills in high-pressure and time-sensitive situations.
• Willingness and ability to manage time sensitive projects outside of standard business hours when required.

Compensation and Benefits

$125,000-$135,000, depending on experience

Swanson Martin & Bell, LLP offers an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, qualified transportation benefits, life insurance, vacation and sick time, holiday pay, and 401(k).