Director, Client Development - Private Equity

Director, Client Development - Private Equity

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Goodwin is a premier global law firm with a market‑leading Private Equity Group (PEG) representing PE firms, their portfolio companies, and other investors across the full investment lifecycle. We provide strategic legal and business counsel on complex transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, recapitalizations, mergers and acquisitions, debt finance transactions, and exits.

We are seeking a seasoned, senior Client Development (CD) Leader with exceptionally strong leadership skills, the ability to manage a high‑performing team, and deep ecosystem relationships within the PEG sector. This individual will be a true partner to firm leadership – working alongside practice group leaders and attorneys as an equal voice in go‑to‑market strategy. They will be responsible for driving growth, strengthening client relationships, and furthering Goodwin’s position as the go‑to law firm for PE firms, investors, portfolio companies and industry stakeholders.

• Work with PEG leadership to shape and execute go‑to‑market priorities and plans that drive profitable revenue growth, enhance brand visibility, and deepen client relationships.
• Direct competitive intelligence efforts, including market research and industry trend analysis, to inform business development strategies and client targeting.
• Lead the creation and implementation of tailored client development plans targeting key private equity markets, clients, sub‑practice areas based on emerging industry trends.
• Take a proactive, hands‑on approach in collaborating with partners and the team to produce high‑quality pursuit and pitch responses anchored in a deep understanding of the client’s business, priorities, and requested scope.
• Collaborate with the broader client development team and Global Operations (GO) team to drive client and market impact, including knowledge management to convert proprietary data into insights for driving thought leadership, communications and PR teams to elevate Goodwin’s brand positioning in the sector, and client value to collaborate on effective fee arrangements.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns and brand initiatives aligned with practice growth objectives, including participation in high‑profile industry events, sponsor ships, and alliances.
• Foster cross‑practice collaboration to position Goodwin as the premier law firm for private equity sponsors across all stages of growth.
• Oversee the business development budget, ensuring alignment with firmwide growth priorities across markets, clients, and sub‑practice areas, with a clear focus on ROI.
• Manage the preparation of high‑quality directory and award submissions (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, Best Lawyers) to strengthen market visibility and enhance the practice’s reputation.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team and foster a collaborative, results‑oriented culture ensuring their work aligns with the strategic objectives of the business.
• Drive the identification and implementation of scalable, best‑in‑class processes, systems, and approaches that support the Private Equity group’s growth goals.
• Support the successful integration of lateral partners by enabling them to fully leverage Goodwin’s platform to sustain and grow their client relationships.
• Leverage firm’s strong industry relationships with private equity executives, investors, and key stakeholders to facilitate client introductions, deepen existing client engagement, expand the firm’s market presence, and uncover new business opportunities.

• 15+ years of client development experience, preferably within AmLaw 25 or a scaled professional services firm.
• Proven track record in shaping and executing go‑to‑market strategies that elevate firm positioning and drive market share in the private equity sector.
• Prior experience building and managing a high‑performing, collaborative, and proactive business development team, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience…