Client Events Manager

San Francisco, CA

Summary

Operating in a fast-paced, partner-driven environment, this role functions as a lead advisor for complex and high-visibility events while also supporting the broader Client Events portfolio. The Manager is accountable for event strategy, execution quality, budget stewardship, and stakeholder confidence, and plays a key role in scaling the firm’s events capability through mentorship, process development, and cross-functional partnership.

This role is distinguished by independent decision-making, event ownership, and functional leadership, while partnering closely with Marketing and Client Events leadership on firmwide priorities and marquee programs.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end planning and execution of a diverse portfolio of client events, including large-scale programs, CLE seminars, private dinners, and receptions, across all offices, managing logistics, venue selection, vendor negotiations, and on-site execution.

Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to attorneys, practice leadership, and Marketing colleagues on event strategy, format, audience, investment, and execution approach.

Develop innovative event concepts and agendas aligned with practice group priorities and firmwide business development goals, ensuring every event drives measurable client engagement.

Build and manage event budgets and timelines, including detailed run-of-show documents, and independently oversee multiple concurrent events of varying complexity.

Act as the escalation point during live events, resolving issues in real time, and lead post-event analysis, including ROI measurement and stakeholder feedback, to drive continuous improvement.

Partner with Marketing and Business Development teams to align events with strategic objectives, managing invitation workflows, RSVP tracking, follow-up communications, and Salesforce campaign maintenance.

Mentor and coach junior team members on judgment, stakeholder management, and execution excellence, while contributing to workload prioritization across the Client Events team.

Drive the ongoing development of team processes, tools, templates, and best practices to scale the firm’s events capability and maintain consistency and quality across the portfolio.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience; 7+ years of progressive event management experience, with law firm or professional services background strongly preferred.

Proven track record leading complex, high-visibility events from concept through execution, with the ability to independently manage multiple concurrent projects and shifting priorities.

Experience leading or supervising a team, with the ability to provide clear direction, feedback, and support to direct reports.

Confident, polished communicator with the interpersonal presence to advise and build trust with attorneys, partners, and senior stakeholders.

Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail across logistics, communications, and execution, with strong troubleshooting abilities and sound judgment under pressure.

Demonstrated ability to assess risk, make confident decisions in high-pressure situations, and serve as an effective escalation point during live events.

Experience mentoring or developing junior team members in a professional services environment, with a track record of building team capability and fostering collaboration.

Proficiency in event-related technology; prior Salesforce experience preferred, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality of firm information at all times.

Flexibility to work outside normal business hours and during weekends, as required by event schedules. Estimated travel is 10-15% annually.

Compensation: $128,000.00-$179,000.00 annually plus bonus