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Business Development Executive

The role:

We are looking for a confident and proactive junior business development professional, ideally with 1–2 years’ experience in a professional services or law firm environment, who is eager to develop their skills in a busy and collaborative Marketing and BD team. This person will be a strong communicator, comfortable engaging with lawyers of all levels, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. They will have a foundational understanding of how law firms operate, a good grasp of how legal practice areas differ, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and provide end-to-end support across the team.

The role sits within a highly supportive and well-resourced Dispute Resolution M&BD function, with access to expertise from our central digital, brand, communications and events teams.

The M&BD Team

Uniting the firm’s expertise to meet clients’ global needs…

The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team at Simmons & Simmons is a diverse group of professionals, including value-adders, digital innovators, and relationship builders. We're seeking talented individuals with ambition and passion to join our high-performing team, known for its commitment to learning, growth, and excellence.

Our team benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from leading firms and industries, under the leadership of Owen Williams, a non-lawyer who became a partner in 2022. We invest in our talent at all levels, offering extensive training programs like the 'Future Leaders' program to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Our team is redefining the M&BD function by incorporating roles such as pricing and sales experts, horizon scanners, and specialists in Emerging Technology and ESG.

Our innovative efforts, including the award-winning “supercharge” client program and Cross-Border Group teams, have significantly contributed to the firm's global collaboration and success in attracting top-tier clients.

The Marcomms team plays a crucial role in enhancing the firm's reputation through impactful experiences and media coverage.

We prioritize continuous improvement and operational excellence, adopting best practices to maintain our competitive edge and align with our vision of a Next Generation law firm.

Our global M&BD team operates as 'One Team,' valuing contributions from members worldwide and fostering a culture of connection and fun. Joining us means making a definitive impact in a role that values and leverages your contributions.

What will you do:

Key Responsibilities – IP (approx. 50%)

• Support internal business planning for the IP practice, including liaising with key partners.

• Assist with the development and delivery of targeted BD and marketing campaigns aligned to practice and sector priorities.

• Support preparation for internal and external events, including flagship initiatives such as the IP Roadshow (November), IP Roundtable (October), Re:format (April), and other IP-specific conferences and campaigns.

• Coordinate submissions to legal directories and awards (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500).

• Support the preparation of pitch materials and client-facing collateral.

• Maintain and update IP-related credentials and marketing content.

• Liaise with international teams on global IP campaigns and initiatives, particularly with US and Europe.

• Help maintain IP mailing lists and contact data.

Key Responsibilities – General Disputes Support (approx. 50%)

• Provide day-to-day BD support across the wider Dispute Resolution group.

• Assist the DR M&BD team with pitch preparation, credential statements, and directory submissions.

• Maintain experience trackers and contribute to broader marketing collateral and campaign development.

• Support the execution of BD and marketing campaigns across DR, including digital content and thought leadership pieces.

• Help coordinate and deliver client events (physical and virtual), including logistics, invitations, and follow-up.

• Manage and update client lists, mailing groups and contact information in CRM systems.

• Provide general team administrative support as required, e.g. meeting prep, internal reporting, managing team inboxes.

What we are looking for:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Strong Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills.

• Previous experience in a law firm or professional services environment is a must.

• Professional marketing qualification is desirable.

• Marketing/sales experience is a distinct advantage.

• Builds trust amongst fee earning team and wider stakeholder community.

• Understands the need to, and has the ability to, manage expectations and prioritise tasks.

• Strong organisational skills.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Possess a high degree of professionalism and ability to use initiative.

• Adopts a flexible and versatile approach to work and enjoys working with a team with different needs, styles and requirements.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.

• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position,please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.

About Us

Every day, our expert teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia come together to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. We’re an international melting pot of perspectives and experiences, united in helping to shape a better future for our clients, our people and our communities.

A place for ideas, skills, ambition and innovation. For personal growth and professional challenge. For powering success through trust, respect, integrity and an unwavering commitment to quality.