Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is seeking an experienced Marketing & Business Development Senior Specialist to join our growing team and support the strategic marketing and business development efforts in the firm’s Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Palo Alto offices. Willkie is an elite international law firm of approximately 1,300 lawyers located in 16 offices in six countries.

Working closely with the Director, Business Development – California and in collaboration with colleagues across the Business Development, Communications, and Events teams, this role connects local priorities to firmwide goals and ensures consistent, high-quality execution across practices and offices. The Senior Specialist plays a hands-on role in advancing business development efforts, coordinating events and sponsorships, and driving initiatives that strengthen the firm’s visibility and relationships throughout California. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, and collaborative, with the confidence to work directly with partners in a fast-paced environment.

Candidates should have a minimum of four years of experience in marketing, business development, or client relations within a law firm or professional services environment. The position requires strong judgment, polished communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders across offices. This role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact on the firm's business development strategy in one of its most dynamic markets.

At Willkie, we believe great people are the key to our success. We are offering a highly competitive compensation package with exceptional benefits. If you are looking to work in a friendly, collaborative environment that affords unique opportunities to expand your professional development, this role is for you.

• Partner with lawyers and BD colleagues to execute business development initiatives and client engagement strategies that support California offices.
• Draft and coordinate client-facing materials such as pitches, proposals, presentations, and bios in collaboration with the BD team.
• Manage and execute client events, sponsorships, and profile-raising initiatives across California, partnering with the Events team to ensure seamless coordination and brand consistency.
• Maintain and enhance relationships with key regional organizations and community partners, ensuring alignment with marketing and business development goals.
• Support award and directory submissions and other visibility efforts for California partners and practices in coordination with the Communications team.
• Track regional budgets and activities, evaluate ROI for events and sponsorships, and report on outcomes to inform future planning.
• Identify cross-practice and cross-office opportunities, connecting local market activity to broader firm priorities.
• Serve as a reliable point of coordination for marketing and BD activity in California, ensuring efficient communication among partners, local teams, and firmwide

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum four years of experience in a Marketing or BD role in a professional services firm environment; law firm experience is strongly preferred
• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work across offices and practices while balance a range of priorities
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, including experience drafting pitches, proposals, brochures, and other marketing collateral
• Must demonstrate critical thinking skills by connecting information across various sources with comprehension
• Collaborative and proactive, with the confidence to build relationships at all levels of the firm
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with CRM systems and other marketing technology tools a plus.
• Willingness to travel between offices and work occasional extended hours as needed

• Ability to sit at a desk most of the working day and walk short distances
• Needs manual dexterity, speed and accuracy in handling office equipment
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption
• Ability to work in close proximity to other individuals
• Ability to carry light to moderate objects, e.g., files, small objects and supplies a short distance
• Must be able to lift, carry and move objects up to 30 lbs

• Exempt

The salary range for this role represents the Firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent upon a number of factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant experience, qualifications and location. Willkie offers a comprehensive suite of benefit programs to all eligible employees. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Career section of the Firm’s website.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher is an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon actual or perceived: race (including hair texture, protective hairstyles and other traits associated with race), color, age, religious creed, citizenship, citizenship status and alienage, nationality, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity or creed, disability, genetic information or medical condition, reproductive health decision making, pregnancy or maternity, paternity, marital or civil partnership status, caregiver status, gender (including gender identity, expression, nonconformity, gender reassignment or status as a transgender individual), sex, sexual orientation or preference, veteran or military status, height, weight, any other characteristic protected by law or any combination thereof. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let the hiring manager know.

Pursuant to the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance (FCIHO) and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicant with arrest and conviction records.