Associate Director (International Arbitration)

We've partnered with a leading global law firm in its search for an Associate Director, Business Development to support its globally recognised Arbitration practice. This is an exciting opportunity for a senior business development professional to work closely with high-profile partners and clients across complex, cross-border disputes and international arbitration matters.

In this role, you will play a strategic leadership role in shaping and executing business development initiatives across the Arbitration practice. You'll drive client engagement strategies, oversee high-value pitches and proposals, support thought leadership campaigns, and collaborate with senior stakeholders to strengthen the firm's global market position.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to partners, providing strategic insight into market trends, competitive intelligence, client development opportunities, and practice positioning initiatives. You'll also lead client feedback programmes, contribute to lateral partner integration strategies, and mentor members of the wider BD & Marketing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic business development initiatives for the global Arbitration practice
• Drive client engagement and relationship management strategies across key accounts and target clients
• Deliver market intelligence, competitor analysis, and research insights to support practice growth objectives
• Oversee sophisticated pitches, proposals, and panel opportunities, ensuring alignment with broader firm strategy and profitability goals
• Partner with lawyers and senior leadership on thought leadership, profile-raising campaigns, and market positioning initiatives
• Lead client feedback programmes and identify opportunities to strengthen client relationships and service delivery
• Support and advise on the integration and onboarding of lateral partner hires
• Collaborate cross-functionally with BD, marketing, communications, and events teams globally
• Mentor and develop junior team members while contributing to wider BD operational excellence and change initiatives

The ideal candidate will have significant senior-level business development experience within a leading law firm or professional services environment, ideally with exposure to disputes, arbitration, or litigation practices. You will possess exceptional stakeholder management skills, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, international environment.

This role can be based in New York, London, or Paris and offers the opportunity to join one of the market's most prestigious global disputes practices. If you'd like further insight, please feel free to apply direct or reach out to Nikhita Kumar.