Legal Business Development Manager in London

Sterlington PLLC is a full-service law firm focusing on complex corporate, litigation, executive compensation, and private wealth matters. As a firm, we focus on the economic as well as the legal aspects of our matters. Among other strengths, Sterlington is the ultimate law firm for founders, senior executives, and UHNWIs as well as their related businesses.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a driven, highly organized Business Development Manager to join our BD, Marketing and Comms team and work directly with the Head of BD. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role supporting our most senior partners across a range of practice areas – including corporate and executive compensation – as they strengthen and expand client relationships. Our partners run a highly successful practice that competes with some of the largest and most prestigious law firms. They need a BD professional who can both develop the strategy and get things done – someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can build processes while delivering results. You will be a trusted partner to our fee earners and a key driver of Sterlington’s continued growth.

We are also a firm that embraces new technology: we are actively integrating AI into how we work, and we are looking for someone who is already a proactive adopter of AI, with hands-on experience using it to make business development smarter, faster and more impactful.

What You'll Do:

• Work directly with senior partners and the Head of BD to develop, maintain and execute BD plans, track progress, hold partners accountable for commitments, and proactively flag when plans are off track.
• Manage and update the firm’s deal credentials, capability statements and experience databases, ensuring materials are current, accurate and ready for pitches and proposals.
• Own and maintain the firm’s CRM, ensuring BD activity, contacts, deal credentials and pipeline information are accurately captured and kept current; act as the internal champion for CRM adoption and hygiene.
• Identify, research, and map target clients, referral sources, and market opportunities; bring proactive ideas and intelligence to partners rather than waiting to be asked.
• Coordinate and support BD-related events, sponsorships, conferences, and speaking engagements.
• Prepare and coordinate pitch materials, capability presentations and RFP responses for new and existing clients; support partners in preparation for client meetings and follow up on outcomes.
• Assist with the production of marketing materials including presentations (PowerPoint), firm communications, and practice group content; support thought leadership initiatives in collaboration with the Head of BD and partners.

What We're Looking For:

• Proven experience in a BD role at a law firm – you understand the professional services environment, how partners operate, and what good law firm BD looks like in practice.
• Manager-level track record, with demonstrable examples of independently owning and driving BD programs, not just supporting them.
• Exceptional organization skills and a task-oriented mindset – you track what’s open, chase what’s outstanding and raise your hand clearly when things are off track.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, high-growth environment – proactive and able to prioritize effectively without a large supporting infrastructure.
• Available to work US Eastern Time hours preferable.

Desirable:

• Experience in corporate or transactional practice group BD.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Word – able to produce polished, professional presentations and documents to a high standard.
• Experience building creds databases and maintaining deal/matter tracking systems.
• Hands-on experience using AI to improve BD workflows, research, content production or client intelligence.
• Experience supporting partners in a high-growth firm context where BD infrastructure is still being built out.

At Sterlington, we believe that world-class talent has no boundaries. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where unique perspectives are valued and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.