Public Relations Specialist (Law Firm)

SourcePro Search•Chicago, IL

12d

About The Position

SourcePro Search is conducting a search for a Public Relations Specialist. Under the supervision of the Litigation PR Manager, the PR Specialist will play proactive and project-management roles in the creation and delivery of litigation-focused external content and classic PR and media relations activities, including social media interaction, as part of a group that strives to secure consequential and insightful media coverage across multi-channel platforms. The PR Specialist will help steer the litigation department through a rapidly transforming communications landscape, where both the means and the types of content and media are in flux. As well as liaising with our PR agencies worldwide to help build substantive media relations with leading journalists and publications, the PR Specialist will play a key role in assisting litigation partners and associates to adapt to the new methods of communicating and branding.

Requirements

Minimum 3+ years prior experience in marketing/public relations/communications-related field
Solid knowledge of all types of publications and social media channels, especially those that a firm will most effectively engage
Knowledge of technology and life sciences sectors, as well as more traditional practices including bankruptcy, real estate, tax and complex commercial litigation
Project management skills
Adept at new and rapidly transforming technologies, especially in media and social media monitoring and analysis
After orientation at firm, exhibit proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work with little direction, in a highly collaborative environment
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Comprehensive, accurate note-taking and excellent proofreading skills
Ability to multi-task, problem solve, work well under pressure and coordinate sophisticated PR programs with good results
Ability to consistently meet deadlines, including self-set and multi-tasked
Assertive, but flexible as to style; must be able to handle stressful situations and interact with various personalities and communication styles at all levels in the firm
Strong analytic and research skills
Exhibit high energy and genuine enthusiasm for law firm media relations activities and goals while maintaining a healthy, competitive spirit
Experience in earning the trust and respect of high-performing senior professionals in a fast-paced environment
Ability to develop professional relationships both internally (with department members, attorneys and professional staff) and externally (with industry/regional associations, etc.)
Ability to professionally manage utmost sensitivity in terms of reputation management, crisis management, personnel changes, and other events
Reliable and punctual

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field
Hands-on experience in media relations pitching
Experience in a law firm or professional services environment, with a working knowledge of professional services sectors
Familiarity with video production
Cutting-edge social media fluency

Responsibilities

Play a pivotal role in the marketing department leading the flow of high-quality content to protect and promote the litigation brand across paid, earned, shared and owned media
Work on tight deadlines with multiple partner groups gaining approval on press releases, nominations, social media interactions, thought leadership opportunities, and other media, to raise awareness for external audiences, established and new
Build externally on rapid developments in terms of internal communications, employee engagement, and communications methods such as video, Q&As, and more
Liaise with the PR firm to enable seamless flow of information, logistical planning, and positioning to optimize timely sharing of achievements and comment
Work with key partner spokespeople on media interviews, supporting practice group and firm goals; interview preparation, preparing Q&A documents, reviewing general interviewing tips, and developing talking points
Collaborate with the communication team’s social media-focused colleagues to help educate the litigation department lawyers on social media responsibilities and opportunities, including tip sheets, one-on-one training, and general support
Work closely with select litigation practice group leaders to help implement PR programs that support that group’s business development objectives, including roundtable and other innovative face time opportunities to build brand, relationships and reputation
Generate more compelling build-up, presence and follow-up to premium events, merging media skills with networking and dynamic people management skills, to further the business development and client engagement ROI
Assist with video and other digital media-focused projects for department, as needed
Ensure that the firm’s highest editorial standards are consistently maintained
Monitor global media channels and support senior team in project management where necessary
All other duties as assigned or required