Business Development

Edinburgh / Glasgow | Part-time

Are you an excellent legal writer who enjoys turning complex legal work into clear, persuasive and evidence-based submissions? We are looking for a part-time Legal Directories Executive / Legal Directories Solicitor to join our Business Development team and play a key role in shaping and delivering Harper Macleod’s legal directories strategy.

The opportunity

This is an exciting new part-time role for someone who combines strong writing skills, sound judgement and a genuine interest in legal markets. Working closely with Senior Associate Anna Maitles and the wider bids and legal directories team, you will help us produce compelling submissions for Chambers and Legal 500 and contribute to our continued growth, reputation and market profile.

The role offers the opportunity to make a visible impact in a successful and ambitious firm. You will work directly with Partners and senior stakeholders, influence how we present our expertise externally and help develop a more consistent, strategic and effective approach to legal directory submissions across the business.

We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds. You may already have legal directories experience, or you may be a solicitor, legal writer or professional services business development specialist who understands how to draw out strong evidence, manage deadlines and work confidently with senior colleagues.

Because the role is highly visible, you will need to be organised, proactive and comfortable managing competing priorities. You will also need the confidence to ask good questions, challenge constructively and keep submissions moving to deadline.

What you will do:

• Support the planning, coordination and delivery of Chambers and Legal 500 submissions
• Manage submission timetables, deadlines and internal processes across relevant practice areas
• Work closely with Partners, solicitors and client advisers to gather strong matter evidence and supporting detail
• Draft, edit and proofread submissions so they are clear, persuasive, accurate and consistent
• Coordinate referee lists, follow-up activity and engagement to support strong response rates
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with directory editors and researchers to understand methodology, priorities and feedback
• Review research reports, rankings and market feedback to identify priority focus areas
• Maintain accurate records of submissions, rankings, referees, deadlines and outcomes
• Help identify opportunities to strengthen Harper Macleod’s profile, recognition and market positioning

What we are looking for:

• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Experience of legal directories, legal practice, legal writing, bids or professional services business development
• A good understanding of Chambers and Legal 500 submissions, or the ability to develop that knowledge quickly
• Confidence working with Partners, senior stakeholders and busy teams across a professional services environment
• Strong project management and organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the confidence to ask questions, draw out detail and challenge constructively
• A broader interest in business development, client relationships and the legal market
• An LLB, solicitor qualification or equivalent legal/professional services experience would be helpful but is not essential

Why join us?

You will join a supportive, collaborative Business Development team and work on a high-profile part of the firm’s reputation and growth strategy. This is a part-time role with real influence, and we are open to discussing working patterns that suit both the successful candidate and the needs of the team.

If you enjoy legal writing, building relationships and helping a firm tell its story through strong, evidence-led submissions, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Let your ambitions grow with ours

At Harper Macleod, ambition is what drives us forward. We are a firm that cares about doing great work and making a real impact for our clients and for each other. We believe in progress, not standing still. That means sharing ideas, supporting growth and creating opportunities for everyone to shine. If you want to work somewhere that values curiosity and collaboration, you’ll feel right at home here.

Our story so far includes recognition as Scotland’s Firm of the Year 2025, ESG Firm of the Year 2024 and a place in the Legal 500’s Green Guide for two years running. But we’re not done yet. The best is still to come. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, active colleague engagement, wellbeing, sustainability & CSR programmes and the opportunity to develop your career.

If you’re ready to shape the future with us, we would love to hear from you

To apply please send your CV to HRDept@harpermacleod.co.uk

Harper Macleod LLP is committed to promoting equal opportunities and developing a diverse workforce.