Hiring JD Holders for Legal Marketing and Business Development Roles at Law Firms

Posted by

Kate Harry Shipham

Posted on

Mar 19, 2025

For years, the traditional path for individuals with a Juris Doctor (JD) has been straightforward: graduate from law school, pass the bar, and practice law. However, many JD holders are now exploring alternative careers within law firms, particularly in legal marketing, business development (BD), and business solutions roles.

Law firms that recognize the value of hiring JDs beyond attorney positions can gain a strategic advantage. These individuals bring deep legal knowledge, analytical thinking, and industry insight, making them strong assets for marketing, BD, and operational teams. But how do firms ensure they’re hiring the right JD holders for these roles? Here’s why JD candidates can be a smart hire—and what firms should consider when bringing them on board.

Why Hire JD Holders for Business Roles?

1. They Understand Legal Services and Client Needs

One of the biggest challenges legal marketers and BD professionals face is bridging the gap between legal services and business growth. Traditional marketers can sometimes struggle to grasp the nuances of complex legal practice areas. A JD-trained professional, however, already understands legal concepts, industry regulations, and client pain points—giving them a major head start in crafting effective marketing strategies and BD initiatives.

Advantage: JD holders can speak the same language as attorneys and clients, ensuring messaging and BD strategies resonate with target audiences.

2. They Can Help Attorneys with Business Development

Attorneys are often hesitant to engage in BD efforts, especially when it comes to networking, client outreach, and cross-selling services. JD professionals in BD roles can coach attorneys on building relationships, navigating client conversations, and identifying opportunities for growth. Because they understand legal services and ethics, they can craft BD strategies that align with ethical marketing guidelines and bar regulations.

Advantage: A JD-trained BD professional can strategically position attorneys for growth while ensuring compliance with legal marketing rules.

3. They Bring Strong Research and Writing Skills

Legal marketing and BD requires persuasive, research-driven content. Whether it’s crafting thought leadership articles, client alerts, or social media content. JD holders have advanced writing and analytical skills that give them an edge. They know how to interpret case law, break down legal trends, and produce high-quality marketing materials that demonstrate expertise while remaining digestible for clients.

Advantage: JD-trained professionals can write with authority, making them ideal for content-driven marketing and communications roles.

4. They Add Value in Legal Operations and Support Roles

Beyond marketing and BD, JD holders can thrive in legal operations, compliance, and knowledge management roles. Their legal training allows them to work effectively with attorneys, streamline internal processes, oversee risk management, and improve firm efficiency. Many firms now employ Chief Innovation Officers or Legal Operations Managers with JDs to enhance firm performance.

Advantage: JD holders in support roles help optimize firm operations, manage compliance issues, and drive innovation.

What to Consider When Hiring JD Holders for Non-Traditional Roles

i. Do They Truly Want to Work in Marketing, BD, or Operations?

Some JD holders transition into business roles as a backup plan, rather than out of genuine interest. It’s essential to assess their long-term commitment to a non-traditional legal career.

Ask candidates:

Why are you interested in legal marketing, BD, or operations instead of practicing law?
What excites you about this field?
How do you see your JD adding value in this role?

Red Flag: If they view the position as a temporary solution while looking for attorney roles, they may not be the right long-term fit.

ii. Do They Have Business or Marketing Experience?

While JD holders have strong analytical and writing skills, they may lack direct sales, marketing, or business development experience. The best candidates are those who have developed business acumen, networking skills, and client-facing experience—either during law school, in a previous legal role, or in a non-law job.

Look for:

Experience in law firm marketing, BD, sales, or client engagement
A willingness to learn about marketing and business principles
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Red Flag: If a candidate lacks interest in business strategy or relationship-building, they may struggle in a BD role.

iii. Can They Adapt to a Business Role?

Working as a legal marketer or BD professional member requires a shift in mindset. Some JD holders struggle with the transition, especially if they expect the same status, compensation, or level of decision-making authority as attorneys.

Look for:

A candidate who is comfortable being in a supportive, strategic role rather than a practicing attorney
Someone who embraces collaboration with attorneys and firm leadership
An adaptable mindset and an openness to learning a new craft; attorneys who believe they can add value in a business role simply because they’re an attorney often misunderstand the nuance of business roles

Red Flag: If they expect to be treated like an attorney but don’t want to practice law, they may not adjust well to the role.

iv. How Will They Fit Into Your Firm’s Culture?

Every law firm has a unique culture. A JD candidate with a big-law background may struggle in a boutique firm with a lean team, while a JD with a startup mindset may not thrive in a highly traditional firm. Ensure they fit the firm’s work style, expectations, and team dynamics.

Look for:

A candidate who aligns with the firm’s growth goals and business model
Someone who is collaborative and adaptable

Red Flag: If they have a rigid, law-firm-only mentality, they may struggle with the creative and strategic demands of a marketing or BD role.

Our Final Thoughts

Hiring JD holders for legal marketing, BD, and support roles can give law firms a competitive advantage—but only if the candidate is the right fit. Their legal expertise, research skills, and industry knowledge make them valuable assets, but it’s important to assess their business mindset, adaptability, and long-term commitment to a non-practicing career.

For law firms looking to enhance their marketing and BD efforts, a JD-trained professional can bring the credibility and strategic insight needed to stand out in a competitive legal market. The key is hiring JD candidates who are passionate about driving business growth—not just those looking for an alternative to practicing law.