Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers across the United States.
Akerman LLP is seeking a Senior Competitive Intelligence Specialist to help drive the firm’s strategic growth through insight-led decision-making and market intelligence.
This role sits at the intersection of competitive intelligence, market intelligence, and business strategy, responsible for transforming internal and external data into actionable, forward-looking insights that directly inform client development, go-to-market initiatives, and firmwide priorities. The Senior Competitive Intelligence Specialist reports to the Senior Competitive Intelligence Manager and will partner closely with the Competitive Intelligence team and the Marketing & Client Development functions to support targeting, positioning, and growth across key practices and industries.
The ideal candidate will excel at synthesizing complex information, including market activity, client developments, financial and transactional data, and competitive intelligence, into clear, compelling narratives and strategic recommendations that inform decision-making at the firm level.
Operating in a fast-paced, high-performance environment, this individual will act as a proactive strategic partner, anticipating needs, identifying risks and opportunities, and delivering leadership-ready insights that drive measurable business impact.
This role will also contribute to advancing the firm’s intelligence capabilities by strengthening data-driven tools, processes, and an integrated, insight-driven approach across Competitive Intelligence, Marketing, and Client Development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Intelligence & Insight Generation
- Lead in-depth research and analysis across clients, prospects, industries, competitors, and legal market trends, delivering actionable insights that support firm strategy and business development initiatives.
- Identify patterns, risks, and opportunities by synthesizing financial, transactional, regulatory, and market data into clear, actionable insights.
- Serve as a strategic partner to the Marketing & Client Development department, supporting client strategy, market entry, and competitive positioning through insight-driven analysis.
- Develop an understanding of stakeholder needs to tailor intelligence outputs.
- Demonstrated commitment to ethical competitive intelligence practices, including lawful and appropriate research methods, sound source evaluation, confidentiality, and adherence to the firm’s professional obligations.
Business Development & Go-to-Market Support
- Prepare high-level strategic profiles and briefings in support of priority opportunities, including client meetings, pitches, RFPs, and leadership-facing initiatives, in partnership with the CI and Marketing & Client Development teams.
- Identify and drive cross-selling and client growth opportunities aligned with firm priorities and industry focus areas.
- Support go-to-market strategy development by aligning intelligence with firm capabilities and growth objectives.
Market, Industry & Competitive Intelligence
- Proactively monitor and synthesize market developments, competitive activity, client news, and regulatory trends, translating findings into business implications.
- Evaluate and communicate the firm’s competitive positioning across key practices, industries, and geographies.
- Develop market landscape analyses and competitive benchmarking to inform leadership decision-making.
Data Analysis, Reporting & Tools
- Analyze complex datasets and research outputs, translating findings into clear, concise deliverables and visualizations.
- Track and report on intelligence activities and outcomes to demonstrate impact, trends, and ROI.
- Leverage and continuously improve use of research platforms, CRM systems, and emerging technologies (including AI tools).
Collaboration & Leadership
- Contribute to the evolution of the firm’s intelligence capabilities by enhancing methodologies, workflows, and best practices, and by supporting knowledge sharing across the Competitive Intelligence and Marketing & Client Development teams.
- Take ownership of complex intelligence projects, managing scope, timelines, and deliverables to ensure high-quality outcomes.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus
- 5+ years of experience in competitive intelligence, market research, or business analysis (law firm or professional services preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations, not just research outputs
- Exceptional analytical, writing, and synthesis skills with strong attention to detail
- Strong proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-demand environment
- High level of professional judgment, discretion, and client service orientation
Preferred
- Law firm experience
- Experience supporting business development, client strategy, or practice group initiatives
RESEARCH & TECHNICAL SKILLS:
- Experience with tools such as PitchBook, S&P Capital IQ, Bloomberg Law, Lexis, Lex Machina, Westlaw, D&B, and similar platforms
- Familiarity with CRM systems, financial data, and transaction/deal intelligence and GenAI tools
- Ability to analyze company financials, M&A activity, and broader market dynamics
SUCCESS PROFILE:
- A strategic thinker who connects intelligence to business outcomes
- A proactive self-starter who identifies opportunities, not just responds to requests
- A strong communicator who delivers clear, decision-ready insights
- A collaborative partner with the ability to influence across all levels of the firm
- A high-performing operator who thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements. EOE
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Equal Opportunity Employer
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