Responsibilities

• Lead the firm’s public relations and media relations strategy, including media outreach, story development, spokesperson positioning and reporter relationships.
• Partner with firm leadership and subject matter experts to identify and elevate timely, high-value stories that support business and brand objectives.
• Oversee development of press materials, media messaging and reactive statements and other external communications assets.
• Develop messaging frameworks, holding statements and response plans, partnering with firm leadership and key stakeholders during high-risk situations.
• Oversee the firm’s social media strategy, ensuring channels support firm visibility, thought leadership, brand consistency and audience engagement.
• Guide social content that elevates firm news, thought leadership, people, culture, community engagement and market strengths.
• Lead, manage and develop team members responsible for public relations, social media and awards and recognition programs.
• Provide coaching, feedback and guidance to strengthen team performance, judgment and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable and service-oriented team culture that supports firm priorities and cross-functional partnership.
• Oversee the firm’s awards and recognition strategy, ensuring submissions align with business priorities, brand positioning, and visibility goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or reputation management, preferably within a law firm, professional services firm or similarly complex organization.
• Experience managing, coaching and developing communications professionals, including setting priorities, providing feedback and ensuring accountability for high-quality execution.
• Collaborative, hands-on leadership style, with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships, foster a positive team environment and contribute directly to execution when needed.
• Strong experience in media relations, executive messaging, crisis communications and issues management.
• Ability to quickly develop deep fluency in legal, business, and reputational issues and translate complex topics into clear, credible communications.
• Strong judgment, discretion and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving, highly confidential environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and messaging skills, with the ability to tailor communications for multiple external audiences.

Preferred

• Experience in a law firm, legal organization, or similarly complex, reputation-driven professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Experience overseeing awards and recognition programs, community engagement, corporate social responsibility or external partnership communications.
• J.D. or other meaningful legal industry experience is a plus, but not required.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
• firm-paid holidays, vacation, and sick time