Business Development Manager

About the role

The in London owns the strategic direction and execution of business development for the Real Estate practice, shaping positioning and growth in key sectors. This role is accountable for orchestrating the firm's presence at the world's leading real estate and data center events, most notably MIPIM and the Datacloud Global Congress in Cannes, ensuring consistent and compelling representation. The hire will architect and lead high-stakes pitches, RFPs, and panel submissions, translating complex legal capabilities into differentiated narratives for sophisticated clients. They will build and sustain the firm's thought leadership through targeted industry media, trade associations, and conference engagement, aligning content with the practice's strategic priorities. Close collaboration with global Marketing and Business Development teams will ensure cross-practice synergy and alignment with other offices on priority initiatives. The role also supports broader client relationship strategies across investors, developers, funds, lenders, and corporate occupiers, particularly in digital infrastructure, data centers, and hospitality. Success in this position will directly contribute to expanding the London platform and deepening the firm's footprint in high-growth real estate sectors.

Key facts

What you'll do

Drive the end-to-end business development strategy for the Real Estate practice, defining priorities and sequencing efforts to maximize impact across client portfolios.

Architect and own the content, positioning, and delivery of pitches, RFPs, panel submissions, and framework responses, ensuring rigorous preparation and structured post-engagement debriefs.

Curate and maintain a dynamic practice marketing toolkit, including sector credentials, experience lists, and asset class overviews, ensuring materials are current and evidence-led.

Champion the development and growth of high-value client relationships, working closely with partners to map stakeholders, anticipate needs, and align solutions.

Lead client teaming strategies for priority accounts, coordinating internal stakeholders and external advisors to deliver seamless, cross-firm service.

Design and execute a targeted client mapping and outreach program, expanding relationships across investors, developers, funds, tax, finance, and corporate occupiers.

Own the practice's conference, sponsorship, and membership strategy, from selection criteria and ROI analysis to structured follow-up and impact measurement.

Shape the firm's visibility and reputation through strategic collaboration on speaking opportunities, awards, trade association engagement, and real estate media interactions.

Contribute to the conceptualization and delivery of seminars, events, and sponsored activities, aligning initiatives with clear business objectives and audience insights.

Analyze and interpret real estate market dynamics, deal flow trends, and competitor positioning to refine targeting and inform strategic conversations with leadership.

Champion the adoption and effective use of AI and technology tools to enhance client materials, research, and engagement workflows where appropriate.

Proactively identify and pursue additional projects and initiatives as assigned by senior leadership to advance the practice's strategic goals.

Represent the firm at key industry forums, ensuring that messaging reflects Gibson Dunn's standards of precision, insight, and client service.

Provide analytical support and market intelligence to partners, enabling data-driven decisions around business development priorities and resource allocation.

Requirements

Demonstrate exceptional professional interpersonal skills, navigating confidently with lawyers at all levels, including firm leadership and senior partners.

Exhibit strong written communication skills, producing clear, persuasive, and structured materials for both internal and external audiences.

Bring robust project management and time management capabilities, balancing multiple deadlines and shifting priorities in a demanding law firm environment.

Show a solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firm clients and the pressures of working within complex, multi-stakeholder engagements.

Possess a working knowledge of the real estate sector, its client base, market cycles, and industry networks, or the demonstrable ability to acquire this understanding rapidly.

Thrive under pressure, maintaining composure and delivering high-quality results in fast-moving, high-stakes situations.

Show exceptional proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, leveraging these tools for strategic communication and analysis.

Demonstrate familiarity and comfort with AI tools and emerging technologies that can enhance legal marketing, research, and client service.

Nice to have

Preferred experience in law firm business development, marketing, or a client-facing role within a professional services environment.

Track record of managing conference programs, sponsorship strategies, and trade association involvement at a sophisticated level.

Experience in the real estate, technology, or data center sectors, with an understanding of how these markets intersect with legal services.

Familiarity with digital marketing channels, content creation, and analytics platforms to measure and optimize outreach efforts.

Practical notes

The role is based in London and reports to the Senior Manager of Business Development.

Support for other practices and lawyers across the London office and global teams may be required as needed.