Legal Networks Specialist

Join to apply for the Legal Networks Specialist role at Sidley Austin LLP. We are proud to offer our lawyers and professional staff myriad opportunities to apply their talents toward important, challenging projects on a global stage. Our culture of collegiality attracts people with diverse skills and backgrounds who are dedicated to teamwork, collaboration and superior client service. Sidley has built an inclusive, collegiate culture firmwide and we maintain an environment focused on teamwork and cooperation.

Our London office has a relaxed, down-to-earth friendliness, with lawyers and business professionals at all levels treating each other with genuine respect. We value the skills and knowledge that each team member brings and believe in creating a work environment where everyone thrives. We are located in a distinctive new development at 70 St. Mary Axe with panoramic views across London. Based in the heart of the City and close to Liverpool Street station, the area offers fantastic restaurants and bars, shopping and sporting facilities. You’ll find a great social scene within the office, with organised events including sailing and skiing weekends, seasonal parties and charitable team activities.

Inclusion

Sidley is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture. We recognise that bringing together individuals from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthens the quality of our legal work and continues to position us as a trusted leader in the legal profession. Our commitment to inclusion not only enriches our workplace but also enhances our ability to fulfil our mission providing the highest quality legal services for our clients.

Role overview

The Legal Networks Specialist works closely with the Legal Networks Manager and serves as a liaison and coordinator of the legal networks for Sidley’s life sciences clients. The legal networks are membership‑based benchmarking and networking groups for in‑house regulatory counsel at life sciences companies working on specific areas of regulatory law. Alongside the Legal Networks Manager, they will work directly with partners and other stakeholders, and assist in coordinating the legal networks membership groups. Projects will include planning and execution of the biannual meetings and webinars; assisting in the maintenance of membership collateral for the networks; supporting efforts to retain and expand the legal networks membership base; managing all membership data; monitoring progress against planned priorities; and brainstorming on strategies to improve the profile of the networks. They will take an active role in learning about the life sciences industry practices and other network‑related practices. The role requires the development of strong and effective working relationships within the Marketing department, as well as with other administrative departments and lawyers. The Legal Networks Specialist also works closely with Business Development and Marketing team members across different offices (across multiple time zones) to coordinate marketing efforts. It is essential that the Specialist is a self‑starter and enjoys working within a fast‑paced, international team environment.

Key responsibilities

• Membership Maintenance: Work in collaboration with the responsible lawyers within each legal networks’ planning team and the Legal Networks Manager on related business development activities to support the maintenance of the current membership base and recruit new member companies across each legal network. Function as a primary liaison between the legal networks and its members. This includes answering queries, providing information, preparing regular communication activities, maintaining membership records, and assisting with the annual renewals process. Maintain and regularly update company contacts and event‑related details across CRM platforms to ensure accuracy. Direct engagement with Sidley colleagues across the firm to promote the legal networks through a variety of channels, including drafting tailored emails for lawyer outreach to clients, and presenting the benefits of the networks on internal calls and at practice group meetings. Cross‑sell other legal networks to the existing networks membership base when the opportunity arises. Annually review and contact paying members who are not actively using their membership for feedback.
• Research Requests for Sidley Lawyers for Billable Matters: Undertake research within the legal networks extranet site for topics covered at past meetings or within previous benchmarking reports to assist Sidley lawyers with billable matters. Curate and summarise research into clear and concise reports, and communicate findings to the lawyers promptly.
• Programs, Events and Communications: Working with the Legal Networks Manager to develop, plan, lead, and execute legal networks events for members. Creation and management of project plans and timelines. Chair and schedule regular planning calls with the planning teams for each legal network to ensure the network meetings are making adequate progress. Lead on event related tasks. Draft and coordinate all related internal and external communications. Compile, analyse and report event feedback and participation data to support planning decisions and network growth strategies. Work closely with the planning teams, the Legal Networks Manager, regional and relevant Business Development and Marketing colleagues, and IT on event logistics, including invitations, strategic development of guest lists, nametags, handout materials, site management, multimedia, speakers, visual presentations, and follow‑up.

Candidate profile

The following candidate attributes are essential for this position:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience planning and leading events in a corporate or professional services environment.
• Excellent written communication skills and experience of writing for a variety of audiences, tailoring your writing appropriately, and strong attention to detail.
• A talent for building strong relationships.
• General understanding of effective business development and marketing activities.
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Experience of managing events within a membership organisation.
• A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in event management, marketing, business, or related field.
• Experience of using CRM software (i.e., Salesforce, InterAction).
• Advanced knowledge of internal marketing databases and technologies to track, maintain, and disseminate content, including Vuture and InterAction.
• Someone who enjoys working collaboratively, pulling on the strengths of people with different viewpoints and ideas with the goal of finding the most promising solution or approach.
• Proven ability to identify opportunities for efficiency and process improvement.
• Regularly “thinks outside of the box” regarding strategies to boost the profile for the legal networks within Sidley.

In addition to the above, the successful candidate will have:

• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal communication and analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Works harmoniously and effectively with others.
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.

Annual discretionary performance bonus. Non‑contributory pension scheme – 5% employer contribution, with an additional 3% matched from you. 33 days paid time off – inclusive of short‑term sickness absence. Private Medical Insurance. Permanent Health Insurance. Life Assurance – equivalent to four times your salary. Interest‑free season ticket loan. Free GP service and regular health checks.