Marketing & Business Development Assistant – International IP and DR Practices

We are looking for an enthusiastic Marketing & Business Development professional to join Bird & Bird's International IP and DR Practices, to help support their MBD activities. The successful candidate will work closely with the two Business Development Managers for these groups, reporting into one of them. They will also develop good working relationships with partners, lawyers and other MBD colleagues worldwide. You will get great on the job training and experience as part of our high functioning and experienced central MBD team. You will be eligible for professional training courses offered by our external training partners and our internal Learning and Development team. You will work with stakeholders at all levels across our international firm. You will be part of a friendly and supportive Business Services team who will help to guide and support your career development. And you'll be working for a top international law firm with strong market presence and a reputation for being tech focussed, with a cutting‑edge approach and a friendly and supportive culture.

You'll be joining our Central Marketing & Business Development (MBD) team who work in partnership with senior stakeholders across the firm to set the strategy and shape the tactics to build our firm's profile. They help to win new work and strengthen and deepen client relationships, using a data driven and sales focused approach. The team is mostly based in London and is made up of over 60 specialists in marketing communications, business development and client service. As a central team we lead global activities while working closely with our network of MBD colleagues based across our international offices. Whether it's driving a new content strategy, pitching for cutting‑edge work, building our brand, or contributing to the development of our client relationships, we're committed to providing exceptional service to the firm and are known for leading the way when it comes to new technology and solutions.

Energetic, creative and global, we're looking for people who have a passion for MBD and are keen to take a fresh approach.

Your Client Groups

Intellectual Property

Our International IP practice is one of the most renowned offerings globally. Made up of over 450 dedicated IP professionals across Europe, the Middle East and Asia‑Pacific, with expertise across the full range of IP law. This allows us to provide a one‑stop‑shop for businesses in relation to all IP rights, including patents, trade secrets, product design, copyright and database rights and trademarks. We advise on IP protection, enforcement, strategic management, valuation and monetisation of IP portfolios. We support some of the world's best‑known brands and innovators operating in a variety of technology‑driven industries, including Retail & Consumer, Technology & Communications, Life Sciences, and Media & Entertainment.

Dispute Resolution

Our International Dispute Resolution practice has expertise across the full spectrum of disputes. We support our clients who are involved in complex litigation, domestic and international arbitration, and investigations. We advise on major litigation and arbitrations under the rules of the world's leading arbitral institutions (ICC, LCIA, AAA/ICDR, CIETAC, ICSID, SIAC, ACICA and WIPO) and in ad hoc arbitrations (UNCITRAL). We support some of the world's best‑known companies and institutions operating in a variety of high‑tech and regulated industries, including Technology & Communications, Sport, Financial Services and Life Sciences.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the execution and implementation of the MBD plans for the two groups.
• Supporting the facilitation of cross‑selling opportunities with other appropriate sector/practice/country teams, including client/industry research, reporting and advising on key findings.
• Assisting in the preparation and co‑ordination of legal directory and awards submissions and publication of rankings and client testimonials.
• Helping produce excellent and up‑to‑date marketing materials (e.g. brochures, flyers, social media posts etc).
• Leading on the creation of regular newsletters and ad hoc client alerts.
• Supporting the coordination of key digital marketing tools such as blogs, apps, videos, podcasts and online resources.
• Supporting pitches, bids, and tenders, adhering to the firm's best practice guide.
• Supporting on event preparation (including Bird & Bird‑led seminars/webinars, as well as industry conferences), ensuring that value is derived and recorded (e.g. creating targeted lists and assisting with follow‑up actions).
• Updating content in the groups' apps and helping create new apps and other client tools if necessary.
• Developing and maintaining key MBD‑related infrastructure, including the intranet, CRM (contact management system), Loopio (credentials database) and pitch related content.
• Attending and preparing for all appropriate group meetings, contributing to the agenda and following up regarding relevant initiatives.
• Supporting with the preparation for group retreats and group/strategy meetings.
• Supporting with the management of the marketing budget, including providing data to help understand the ROI, value, and opportunity cost of initiatives.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who is interested in the world and emerging trends, is curious and loves solving problems. Someone who is driven to achieve and improve, who sees opportunity in change and knows sometimes it's more art than science. You should be able to build long lasting and effective relationships easily, and when it counts, just roll up your sleeves and get on board.

Previous experience (such as an internship) in professional services environment, ideally with international exposure, would be a plus. Experience supporting senior stakeholders would be helpful in this role. Excellent time management and organisational skills. Strong commercial awareness, including experience of/an interest in the key legal and commercial issues affecting the sector/practice groups. Strong writing skills, editing ability and proficiency in MS applications including Teams, Word, PowerPoint and Excel, experience with other platforms such as CRM systems, Vuture etc. would be a bonus. Willingness to learn to use new tools and AI‑powered legal technology to improve efficiency and workflow processes.

What's In It For You

We provide comprehensive support for our colleagues' health and wellbeing, including private medical cover, life assurance, critical illness cover, and regular health assessments. In addition, we offer a range of lifestyle benefits designed to help our team live their best lives, such as a cycle to work scheme, access to online GP appointments, discounted gym memberships, and an electric vehicle scheme.

If you require any assistance, please email us at talentacquisitionlondon@twobirds.com. To apply, click on the 'apply' button to submit your details. Bird & Bird opens up a world of possible for lawyers and professionals everywhere. Working for a leading international law firm like Bird & Bird means working alongside people who are truly collegiate in the way they work with everyone. We work as one global team, with over 70% of work involving people from across the firm. And that's only increasing! It's this common purpose and shared approach that makes for a more productive and collaborative place to work.

Your firm. Your future.

For more information, visit www.twobirds.com.

We are an inclusive employer. As a disability and neurodiversity inclusive employer we want to ensure that you have a barrier‑free recruitment experience at Bird & Bird. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please provide details to your recruitment contact who will be in touch to discuss any details provided and understand more about your individual adjustment needs.