Amanda M. Bruno: Catalyst for Growth at Morgan Lewis

It’s often thought law firms are traditionally slow to move and innovate. The most successful firms are those that can balance long-term thinking with agile innovation. Under the direction of Amanda M. Bruno, Morgan Lewis’s Global Chief Business Development Officer, her vision for designing and delivering innovative and strategic business development platforms continues to take the firm to new heights. In the last year not only did Amanda implement strategies that grew business among the firm’s top clients by more than 35%, she did it while integrating a department that jumped from 25 personnel to 90, launching an aerospace and defense industry team, and furnishing lawyers a suite of resources to “help them help themselves” bring in business. A lawyer-turned-business development virtuoso, Amanda joined Morgan Lewis in 2004 as a litigation associate before pivoting into client service and business development roles. In her current role, Amanda leads all strategic business development functions across 33 offices and four continents for 2,000+ lawyers and 15 core practice areas. The numbers speak for themselves: In the six years Amanda has held the chief BD post, Morgan Lewis has experienced record financial success, growing from $2 billion to nearly $3 billion. Amanda was also the lead architect in designing and implementing all aspects of the firm’s Client Service Program, including the Client Feedback Program, the newly revamped Client Alliance Program, the partner Business Development Programs, and the Alumni Relations Program. Amanda also works with lawyers and professional staff across the firm to ensure a consistent and relentless focus on client service through the firm’s award-winning Exceptional Client Service (ESC) program. Outside of her expansive job description, Amanda leads the Mobilizing for Equality working group focused on client partnerships, provides strategic direction for ML Women, and has served on the firm’s Diversity Committee. Finally, Amanda is one of a few legal professionals selected to contribute thought leadership for Law360’s Legal Industry Editorial Advisory Board, which she has done since 2022.