Legal BD & Marketing Salaries Milan 2026

Milan has been one of the more active markets for legal Business Development and marketing recruitment in Europe so far in 2026, particularly at the Specialist and Manager level.

Demand has been driven largely by international and US law firms, and a notable share of these opportunities have been newly created headcount roles rather than replacement hires. That distinction matters, because it reflects genuine expansion and sustained investment in Italy rather than simple churn, and it points to a market that is likely to stay competitive well beyond this year.

Which roles are in demand

Hiring has been concentrated at the BD Specialist and BD Manager level, where firms are building out teams to support growth in Italy, though demand extends across the wider function from executive through to director and head of level.

On the marketing side, firms are recruiting across communications, digital and events alongside core BD, reflecting a broader investment in profile and client development as competition for mandates intensifies.

Where the roles are

Salary ranges remain broad across the market. International and US-headquartered firms typically offer significantly higher compensation packages than domestic Italian firms, which means two candidates at the same level and with similar experience can see considerable variation in their offers depending purely on the type of firm they join.

As firms continue to expand their presence in Milan, competition for experienced professionals is expected to remain strong, and that pressure is most visible in the packages offered to candidates who can move fluidly between international and domestic mandates.

What firms expect

For most roles, bilingual ability is frequently the deciding factor. There is particular demand for professionals who are fluent in both Italian and English, with language skills often a firm requirement rather than a preference for firms operating across international and domestic markets.

Candidates who combine that language profile with sector experience are among the most sought-after in the market, which is one of the reasons compensation for this group has held firm.

Legal Business Development & Marketing Salaries in Milan - 2026

Job title	Annual Salary Range (€)
Head of Practice / Associate Director	120 000 - 160 000
Senior Manager	90 000 - 120 000
Manager	65 000 - 100 000
Specialist / Senior Specialist	45 000 - 75 000
Coordinator / Senior Coordinator	35 000 - 55 000

Figures represent gross annual base salary in euros and exclude bonus and benefits. International and US-headquartered firms typically sit at the higher end of each range. Please note that the above is based on averages and that salaries can differ greatly from firm to firm. For tailored salary guidance, please contact us directly.

Frequently asked questions

How much do legal BD and marketing professionals earn in Milan in 2026?

Legal Business Development and marketing professionals in Milan earning vary greatly, depending on seniority and firm type.

BD Specialists and Senior Specialists typically range from 45 000 € to 75 000 € and BD Managers from 65 000 € to 100 000 €, while marketing salaries follow a similar pattern across executive, manager and director level. International and US law firms consistently pay at the upper end of each range.

Why do international law firms pay more than domestic Italian firms?

International and US-headquartered firms typically offer significantly higher compensation packages than domestic Italian firms for the same role, which is why two candidates at the same level and with similar experience can see considerable variation in their offers.

This gap is a defining feature of the Milan market and reflects the sustained investment international firms are making in their Italian presence.

Do you need to speak Italian to work in legal BD or marketing in Milan?

For most roles, yes. There is particular demand for professionals who are fluent in both Italian and English, and bilingual ability is frequently a firm requirement rather than a preference for firms operating across international and domestic markets.

Candidates who combine that language profile with sector experience are among the most sought-after in the market.

Is legal BD and marketing hiring still active in Milan?

Yes. Milan has been one of the more active legal BD and marketing recruitment markets in Europe in 2026, particularly at the Specialist and Manager level.

A notable share of roles have been newly created headcount rather than replacement hires, which points to genuine expansion and a market likely to stay competitive well beyond this year.