Chicago - Business Development Specialist, Industries & Markets

A BOUT 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

The Business Development Specialist, Industries & Markets, is a hands-on, client-facing role that integrates marketing, business development, and industry strategy and execution for the firm’s Energy & Infrastructure and Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Groups, and Project Finance Practice. The Specialist supports high-impact initiatives that elevate market visibility, deepen client relationships, and drive revenue opportunities across the energy, infrastructure, and technology sectors. The role supports the Business Development Manager, Industries & Markets, in connection with executing targeted business development initiatives, client growth strategies, and market positioning for practices advising power, oil and gas, infrastructure, and technology companies. The Specialist will collaborate with Industry and Practice Group leaders, other attorney stakeholders, and cross-functional teams, as well as serve as a key liaison to the firm’s centralized Marketing Communications, IT, Finance, and Operations teams.

Duties And Responsibilities

Industry & Practice Strategy:

• Support the BD Manager, Industries & Markets, in the implementation of industry and practice-specific growth strategies, including annual business planning and multi-year initiatives, into manageable and measurable approaches.
• With direction from the BD Manager, Industries & Markets, prepare market, client, and competitive analyses to identify opportunities for expansion, client penetration, and differentiation within priority industries and geographies.
• Track progress against growth initiatives.

Client Development & Relationship Management:

• Help implement and monitor key account plans for industry and market-aligned clients.
• With oversight from the BD Manager, Industries & Markets, gather relevant experience, and sector-specific insights tailored to client/prospect needs and requests.

Pitches, Proposals & Business Opportunities:

• Develop pitches, proposals, and RFPs tied to industry and market initiatives, ensuring strategic positioning and high-quality execution.
• Develop and maintain content for use in broad external-facing mediums such as credentialling presentations, brochures, and the firm’s website.
• Work closely with key stakeholders 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:

• Prepare client briefings, industry/practice-elevating programming in line with strategic objectives and client engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with the firm’s Strategic Client Events team to produce targeted and bespoke events and profile-raising initiatives across mediums, including in person programming and entertainment, virtual programming, and conferences and sponsorships.
• Assist in the development of industry-focused marketing content and campaigns that enhance the firm’s visibility and credibility in the market.
• Support production of award and directory submissions.

Data, Reporting & Infrastructure:

• Prepare and monitor performance metrics, pipeline activity, and return on investment to help assess effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments.
• Ensure capture, and ongoing maintenance, of relevant attorney experience.
• Support data integrity and adoption of CRM and related systems to enable reliable reporting and insight.

Firmwide Collaboration:

• Partner with industry and practice group leaders and administrative leaders to align growth initiatives with needs and client priorities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in client development, sales, and/or marketing experience in a law, financial, or other professional services firm environment.
• Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.

COMPETENCIES

• Experience supporting industry-focused or market-based growth initiatives under the guidance of senior leadership.
• Solid understanding of client buying behavior, industry dynamics, and competitive positioning within the legal or professional services market.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to contribute to clear, client-focused messaging for a range of audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, stay organized across competing priorities, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Professionalism, good judgment, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with a developing commercial awareness.
• Relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders at various levels.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, business intelligence tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Comfort working with data to inform recommendations and support decision-making.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders, including partners, in a professional and composed manner.
• Collaborative mindset and willingness to work across teams and offices.

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

Illinois based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $102,000 - $115,000 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. To tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

Los Angeles based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $ 107,000 - $121,000 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. To tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

New York based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $ 112,000 - $126,000 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. To tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

Washington, DC based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $ 107,000 - $121,000 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. To tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experien ces .