Marketing and communications headhunters, tml Partners, are delighted to have partnered with the team at Paul, Weiss to source their new Associate Director of Communications

Paul, Weiss is an elite, New York-headquartered law firm renowned for handling high-stakes litigation and complex corporate deals. As a leading global firm, it advises the world’s most prominent companies and financial institutions, excelling in crisis management and regulatory matters. The firm stands out not only for its market-shaping cases and deep client trust but also for an industry-leading commitment to pro bono work.

The Challenge

This critical hire required a senior communications leader capable of elevating brand reach and visibility for the firm’s practices, industries, and attorneys. The role demanded a proven strategist to shape media relations and drive firm-wide initiatives while partnering closely with senior leadership, marketing, and business development.

Beyond strategic oversight, managing a high-performing team was a key facet of the brief. The successful candidate needed the expertise to navigate sensitive issues, review complex work products like media pitches and byline ideas, and move beyond the status quo to bring proactive, high-impact ideas to the partners. Finding a leader who could motivate and coach a team within a highly regulated environment was essential to advancing the firm’s strategic media efforts.

The Solution

Lottie Brownlow, a specialist professional services marketing and communications headhunter at tml Partners, worked closely with Laura Van Drie, Director and Communications lead at Paul, Weiss. Through this partnership, Lottie developed a deep understanding of the firm’s unique culture and the specific technical requirements of their communications function.

Utilizing her extensive network of senior professionals across legal, financial, and wider professional services, Lottie identified candidates with the necessary strategic depth and experience in highly regulated sectors. This process resulted in the successful placement of Kristen Zeck. Kristen brings over a decade of experience in public relations and a proven track record of leading teams and managing complex media relations.

Kristen Zeck, the placed candidate, commented:

I had the pleasure of working with Lottie on my most recent job search. She is professional, kind, communicative, and I always felt like she was in my corner. Not once was I in the dark about next steps or where I was in the interview process. Lottie truly roots for you and is invested in finding the best role for your next chapter. I cannot recommend her enough – she goes above and beyond, and deserves the highest praise!”

About tml Partners: Specialist Headhunters for Commercial Roles

tml Partners are specialists in Executive Search with access to a global network of commercial, marketing, communications, brand, product, and digital leaders. Our team works with businesses ranging from high-growth challenger brands to blue-chip organizations to develop their in-house teams.

As one of the world’s leading commercial and marketing recruitment agencies, we can support whether you’re seeking interim or permanent solutions. Our North America team works with leading global and high-growth clients to support the development of sophisticated in-house functions.

To learn how tml Partners can support your businesses growth, please get in touch.