Washington DC

Bracewell•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Communications Manager – Awards and Rankings oversees the firm’s participation in key legal directories and awards programs. The role researches and evaluates opportunities that advance the firm’s strategic priorities, develops and maintains editorial calendars, and manages submissions and nominations from start to finish. Rankings are used to benchmark and preserve the firm’s market position and increase recognition for the firm and its lawyers in key practices and industries. Serving as the firm’s resident expert on awards and directories, the Communications Manager provides coaching, training, and strategic advice to stakeholders across the firm. The role also uses generative AI tools responsibly and effectively to improve the speed, quality, and consistency of submissions, applying sound judgment and human oversight to AI-assisted work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant communications experience, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to turn complex, technical matters into clear, persuasive narratives under deadline pressure using corporate journalism principles.
Attention to detail, including excellent proofreading and research skills.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage ambiguity, and meet deadlines.
Good judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving ability.
Exceptional customer service ethic.
Effective verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and work effectively with people at all levels of the firm.
Demonstrated proficiency with generative AI tools for writing, research, and analysis, including crafting effective prompts, critically evaluating AI output for accuracy, and adhering to the firm’s AI policies.

Responsibilities

Provide end-to-end project management and editorial oversight for directory and awards submissions, including assigning nominations and submissions, advising on approach and requirements, managing workflows, overseeing client references, and proofreading and editing.
Develop and execute a firm-wide strategy to increase individual and practice recognition in key legal directories, including Chambers, Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Benchmark Litigation.
Research and evaluate directories and awards opportunities and create and maintain a robust, diverse editorial calendar.
Ensure firm and lawyer profiles are accurate and up to date across directories and awards channels.
Build relationships with editors and researchers at legal directories and relevant legal publications to understand evaluation methods, advocate for the firm, and share relevant information with internal stakeholders.
Lead the writing, development, and submission of high-profile award nominations, including FT Innovative Lawyers, Am Law Industry Awards, Law360 Practice Groups of the Year, Law360 MVPs and Rising Stars, and ALM Trailblazers.
Develop productive relationships with business development managers, section heads, practice chairs, and other internal stakeholders to understand priorities and identify supporting opportunities.
Coach and support lawyers preparing for interviews with researchers and editors, including developing briefing documents.
Track and benchmark results, including year-over-year firm performance and performance against peer firms, and use results to recommend process improvements and optimize resource allocation.
Manage relationships with directory and awards vendors and negotiate related commercial agreements as needed.
Develop and execute plans to communicate results internally and externally.
Train and coach lawyers and staff to improve submission processes and quality, including providing practical guidance on responsible AI use in drafting and preparing submissions.
Stay current on best practices and developments related to directories and awards, including emerging AI tools.