Business Development Adviser

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Business Development professional who is ready to take the next step in their career. Joining our market-leading Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety (EIRS) practice, you will report to the Business Development Manager and work closely with partners, senior lawyers and the wider BD team to play a key role in driving growth initiatives, supporting strategic client development activities and leading high-profile business development projects across the practice.

You will move beyond coordination into a role with greater ownership, stakeholder engagement and influence. You'll have the opportunity to lead pitches and shape thought leadership and profile-raising activities for the practice. In addition to supporting our national EIRS practice, you'll also contribute to one of the firm's strategic priority sectors, providing exposure to broader firm-wide growth initiatives and senior stakeholders.

This role can be based in any of our Australian offices, with a preference for Sydney or Melbourne.

What you'll do

In this varied and rewarding role, you will:

• Lead the delivery of major pitches, proposals and tender responses, helping the team win new work and strengthen client relationships.

• Work with the BD Manager, lawyers and partners to execute strategic business development and client engagement initiatives.

• Drive the development and maintenance of market-leading credentials, pitching resources and BD infrastructure to enable efficient and high-quality business development activity.

• Manage and coordinate the EIRS podcast program, from content planning through to launch and performance reporting.

• Support the delivery of thought leadership campaigns, client events and profile-raising initiatives in collaboration with marketing, communications and events teams.

• Contribute to industry awards and legal directory submissions that showcase the team's expertise and achievements.

• Conduct market, client and competitor research to identify opportunities, trends and insights that inform growth strategies.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the firm nationally and internationally to support client and sector initiatives.

What you'll bring

We're looking for a commercially minded and proactive BD professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems and delivering high-quality outcomes.

You will also have:

• 3+ years’ experience in a BD, marketing or pursuits role within a professional services environment.

• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.

• Enthusiasm and demonstrated proactivity, along with a strong work ethic and a willingness to own and follow up on tasks without prompting;

• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and providing practical advice and support.

• Excellent written communication and drafting skills.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.

• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to team success.

• Experience with, or curiosity about, AI and emerging technologies.

• Strong Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel skills.

What you can expect from us

• We’re a world leading international law firm with a global team of over 6,000 professionals across 26 offices. As the market leader in Australia, we are committed to high performance, collaboration, diversity and digital innovation. We are client-centred, commercially driven, and renowned for our solution-focused expertise. We will align your growth with our ambitions.

• We make your personal and professional growth our business. And as part of the team, our ambition is yours too. Wherever you are in your career: grow and help the firm grow with you.

• We will provide opportunities to learn on the job as well as a mix of learning opportunities tailored to you. Daily experiences, supportive challenges, team collaboration, mentors, and structured learning opportunities help you to expand your knowledge and reach your goals.

• We value your wellbeing, both at home and work and we place a strong emphasis on mental health. If you need support, you’ll have it and we’ll empower you to harness your personal strengths, navigate uncertainty, embrace opportunities, and effectively manage things within your control.

• For more benefits on offer such as our holistic wellbeing fund or home office allowance please click here.

• Join us to be part of a human, bold and outstanding team at Australia’s market leading law firm.

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.

Team

Business DevelopmentFull time

Location

Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.