Sr. Manager, Client Development (Litigation)

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team and help advance one of the nation’s premier litigation platforms. Goodwin represents some of the world’s most innovative companies and investors across life sciences, technology, financial services, real estate, and private equity. Within this environment, the Litigation Client Development team serves as a strategic partner to trial lawyers and clients navigating complex and high-stakes disputes. 

We’re not just supporting a law firm — we are embedded in the business of litigation, driving growth, deepening client relationships, and ensuring Goodwin’s positioning as a market-leading trial firm. Our work is grounded in integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition, and our business teams have been recognized as Best Business Team by The American Lawyer. 

This role is ideal for an experienced litigation-focused business development leader who combines operational excellence with strategic thinking and is ready to assume a senior leadership role within the Litigation Client Development team. 

Role Overview 

We are seeking a Senior Manager to help lead and operationalize the full scope of client development activities for Goodwin’s Litigation Department. This leader will oversee day-to-day operations, manage Manager-level direct reports, and ensure consistent execution across all litigation-focused client development initiatives. 

The Senior Manager will also partner closely with leaders of a select group of high-priority litigation practice areas, guiding strategic planning, supporting partner engagement, and driving growth opportunities across the firm’s most critical dispute resolution offerings. 

The role includes: 

• Strategic planning and partner engagement.

• Oversight of key litigation practice area business development pipelines.

• Leadership and development of team members.

• Implementation of scalable, data-driven processes and systems.

• Strengthening connections between Litigation and the firm’s industry verticals.

• Driving quality, consistency, and accountability across all Litigation CD outputs. 

You will work alongside the Managing Director of Client Development – Litigation as a senior leader within the group and collaborate closely with CD and GO leadership across the firm. 

What You Will Do 

Leadership, Team Management & Operational Excellence 

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Litigation Client Development function, ensuring consistent progress across core priorities.

• Manage, mentor, and develop Manager-level direct reports and other team members. 

• Establish and reinforce structured workflows, accountability frameworks, and reporting mechanisms. 

• Implement scalable processes and best practices to support Litigation’s growth objectives.

Strategic Partnering With Litigation Leaders 

• Partner with Practice Group Leaders and trial partners—including those leading high-priority litigation practice areas—to develop and execute strategic client development plans. 

• Advise partners on prioritization, opportunity pipelines, and client engagement strategies.

• Identify key opportunities at the intersection of Litigation and the firm’s major industry verticals. 

Client Development Strategy & Relationship Expansion 

• Lead initiatives to deepen relationships with existing clients and proactively identify high-potential new opportunities across litigation practices. 

• Support cross-practice and cross-industry client development in collaboration with industry and practice leadership. 

• Implement structured client feedback programs to enhance service delivery. 

Data, Intelligence & Process Optimization 

• Use litigation analytics, CRM insights (Dynamics preferred), and matter data to identify trends and inform strategy. 

• Ensure accurate capture of experience and wins in firm systems to support pitches, pricing, submissions, and strategic planning. 

• Establish standardized practices for reporting, targeting, and experience management. 

Marketing, Pitches & Submissions 

• Oversee creation and refinement of high-quality litigation marketing materials, including: 

  • Strategic pitches and proposals. 

  • Litigation collateral and practice profiles. 

  • Chambers, Legal 500, Benchmark Litigation, and related submissions.

  • Collaborate with Communications and PR teams to elevate Goodwin’s litigation brand through targeted media, thought leadership, and storytelling. 

Events, Sponsorships & Market Visibility 

• Evaluate, prioritize, and manage key litigation-aligned events and sponsorships.

• Oversee budgets, ROI tracking, and pre-/post-event strategy. 

• Attend select events to support partner engagement and strengthen external relationships. 

• Maintain meaningful relationships with relevant litigation and industry associations. 

Lateral Integration & Firmwide Collaboration 

• Lead the Litigation CD team’s integration efforts for lateral partners, ensuring they are fully supported and positioned for success.

• Partner with Client Value, Communications, Operations, and industry teams to advance firmwide initiatives. 

• Contribute to broader client development priorities aligned with the firm’s G33 strategy. 

Who You Are 

• 8+ years of client development experience in an AmLaw 100 firm or comparable professional services environment, with substantial litigation experience required. 

• Demonstrated success managing and developing Manager-level or senior individual contributors. 

• Strong understanding of how in-house litigation departments operate and select counsel. 

• Skilled at interpreting litigation analytics, CRM insights, and matter data to drive strategic actions. 

• Operationally oriented, with the ability to build, streamline, and scale processes in a matrixed environment. 

• Trusted advisor with strong executive presence and the ability to influence senior partners. 

• Excellent writer and communicator capable of producing executive-ready, data-informed deliverables. 

• Demonstrated judgment, discretion, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics. 

• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance short-term execution with long-term strategy. 

• Committed to fostering a firm-first, team-first culture and developing diverse, high-performing talent. 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms; comfortable adopting new technologies. 

• Willing to travel to Goodwin offices and key litigation-related events as needed. 

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