HM Connect - Business Development Solicitor

Job Description

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, commercially minded solicitor who is interested in the business of law as much as the practice of law.

This is a unique opportunity to use your legal experience in a different way, combining your understanding of private practice with relationship management, business development and strategic thinking.

You’ll join our award-winning Business Development team and work closely with our eight-strong legal team to manage, grow and develop the HM Connect network across Scotland, while also contributing to Harper Macleod’s wider strategic business development activity.

About HM Connect

HM Connect is a dynamic referral and support network comprising more than 400 law firms across Scotland. Built on trust, collaboration and long-standing relationships, the network is a cornerstone of Harper Macleod’s commitment to supporting and working alongside the wider Scottish legal community.

Through HM Connect, we build lasting relationships with firms across the country, creating opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge and connect clients with the specialist legal support they need

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced solicitor with a strong understanding of private practice and the Scottish legal market, who is curious about the business of law and interested in taking their legal career in a different direction.

Working with Amy Walsh and the wider HM Connect team, you’ll help manage and develop the network, building trusted relationships with member firms and ensuring they get real value from their membership. You’ll also use your legal and sector experience to support business development within the department or practice area most closely aligned to your background.

The role offers plenty of scope to identify opportunities, bring forward ideas and contribute to the continued development of HM Connect and the wider firm.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Build, develop and manage trusted relationships with HM Connect member firms through regular meetings, engagement and ongoing relationship management. 
• Identify opportunities to strengthen member engagement, encourage referrals and develop new relationships across the Scottish legal market. 
• Welcome and onboard new member firms, ensuring they understand and benefit from the opportunities available through the network. 
• Manage client referrals and enquiries effectively and responsively, ensuring opportunities are connected with the right expertise across Harper Macleod. 
• Use network data and management information to identify trends, opportunities and areas for further engagement, and report insights to internal stakeholders. 
• Develop, curate and host engaging in-person and online events that respond to the interests and needs of member firms. 
• Promote HM Connect across the Scottish legal marketplace and identify opportunities to grow the network and its profile. 
• Keep abreast of developments affecting the legal sector and use that insight to inform HM Connect activity and conversations with member firms. 
• Provide strategic business development support to the department or practice area aligned with your legal experience, helping partners and solicitors develop and deliver their business development plans. 
• Represent Harper Macleod through external events, networking and engagement with the wider business and legal community. 
• Contribute new ideas and explore how technology, digital tools and AI can enhance engagement, insight and the member experience. 

What We’re Looking For

We’re interested in someone who brings:

• Experience as a solicitor in private practice, with a strong understanding of how law firms and legal teams operate.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience of relationship management, with the confidence and interpersonal skills to build, manage and develop strong professional relationships.
• A genuine interest in business development and the commercial side of legal practice, with the ability to spot opportunities and turn conversations and ideas into practical action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and confidence engaging with people at all levels.
• A curious and commercially aware mindset, with an interest in developments across the legal sector, including how technology and innovation are changing legal services and business development.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a wider team in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Experience of contributing to or delivering successful events, seminars or other engagement activity. 

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to build a career combining legal expertise, relationship management and strategic business development. You’ll use your understanding of lawyers, clients and private practice to build relationships and create opportunities across HM Connect’s network of more than 400 Scottish law firms, while contributing to Harper Macleod’s wider growth ambitions.

If you enjoy the people, relationships and commercial side of the law and are ready to explore a different direction for your legal career, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please send your applications to hrdept@harpermacleod.co.uk