A leading global law firm is seeking an Associate Director of Public Relations to drive strategic media engagement and enhance visibility across the U.S. market. Reporting to the Global Director of Communications, this role plays a central part in elevating the firm’s market positioning and thought leadership in alignment with strategic business priorities.
This position partners closely with senior communications leaders across regions and collaborates with marketing and client development teams to ensure consistent, high-impact messaging. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, transforming complex legal topics into compelling narratives that resonate with business, legal, and industry audiences.
Key Responsibilities
Media Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement comprehensive U.S. PR strategies aligned with firmwide and practice-level objectives.
- Lead the relationship with external PR agencies, ensuring accountability and seamless coordination.
- Create differentiated messaging frameworks that clearly position the firm’s expertise in competitive practice areas.
- Design and oversee integrated communications campaigns that deliver measurable business impact.
Media Relations & Placements
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists across national, legal, business, and industry publications.
- Proactively identify and secure high-profile media opportunities that showcase subject-matter expertise and thought leadership.
- Draft and oversee the development of pitches, press releases, statements, and executive talking points.
- Monitor news cycles and emerging trends to capitalize on timely visibility opportunities.
- Provide strategic counsel and preparation support for media interviews and engagements.
- Position senior lawyers as leading legal and business commentators within the media landscape.
Leadership & Practice Visibility
- Partner with firm and practice leaders to create tailored visibility strategies aligned with business development priorities.
- Lead media campaigns tied to significant milestones, high-profile matters, lateral hires, and thought leadership initiatives.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure alignment across all external communications channels.
- Establish and track key performance metrics to evaluate media impact and return on investment.
Reputation Management
- Advise firm leadership on sensitive communications matters and reputational considerations.
- Support the development of crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks.
- Provide rapid-response guidance in high-stakes media situations.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of communications professionals responsible for PR execution and content development.
- Set clear performance objectives aligned with departmental and firmwide goals.
- Foster a collaborative, innovative culture that supports professional growth and creative thinking.
- Provide ongoing coaching to strengthen team capabilities and performance.
About You
- Extensive experience in public relations, ideally within professional services, legal, or financial environments.
- Strong existing relationships across U.S. business, legal, and industry media.
- Demonstrated success translating complex subject matter into clear, engaging messaging.
- Experience managing and developing high-performing communications teams.
- Strong strategic mindset with the ability to convert plans into actionable execution.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong editorial judgment.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment with shifting priorities.
- Sound understanding of media best practices, including AP Style.
- Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field preferred.
If this opportunity sounds like the right next step, please apply or get in touch with Lottie Brownlow – [email protected]
