The public relations specialist supports the development and implementation of public relations (PR) strategies that align with business development practice goals as well as aim to raise the firm’s public profile and protect the firm’s brand and reputation. Leveraging media relations experience and PR and communications tactics, the specialist will support a range of profile-raising and business development initiatives, working closely with the Business Development, Marketing and Communications teams, partners, and across professional staff departments. The specialist role will primarily support the firm’s America’s region but as a member of the global PR function, will provide back-up coverage and support to the EMEA-based PR team.
 

Responsibilities

• Support PR tactics within integrated communications plans and campaigns to raise the profile of the firm’s lawyers and practice groups.
• Stay current on news, competitor activity, and industry trends of importance to our firm, practices, lawyers, and clients, and identify opportunities for proactive pitching and profile-raising.  
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters and editors at target outlets.
• Vet in-bound media inquiries, make recommendations, and direct the inquiries to appropriate spokespeople for consideration; provide guidance and counsel on best practices, approach, areas of sensitivity, etc.  
• Facilitate scheduling and staffing of media interviews (virtual and/or in-person).
• Prepare interview briefing materials and staff the meetings as appropriate.
• Draft and distribute press releases, deal, litigation, and matter announcements, and general media advisories.
• Track, monitor and report on PR KPIs, including proactive outreach, coverage and other practice and Executive Committee reports.
• Identify opportunities for pitching and placing lawyer-authored articles. Manage approvals process.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to support business development plans, identify and maintain editorial calendars for target publications.  
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior-level team members.  
• Foster a culture that supports collaboration and team spirit committed to excellence and the highest levels of client service.

 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in public relations or corporate communications; experience in a law firm preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, or related field.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Previous experience developing and managing relationships with reporters/journalists.
• Strong inter-personal relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and project management; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliverables while meeting time-sensitive deadlines.
• Exceptional oral and written skills with strong attention to grammar, punctuation and detail.
• Flexibility to monitor emails and work outside of regular business hours, including early mornings, evenings and weekends, as needed.

The estimated base salary for this position ranges from $115,000 to $120,000 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will be determined based on various job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, the scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance. This is an exempt role, meaning it is not eligible for overtime pay.