Overview

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, a global Am Law 100 law firm, is seeking an internal and external Communications Manager.

This position can be based in any of the following offices: Chicago, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington DC, San Francisco, Century City, Orange County, Del Mar, San Diego, Silicon Valley, Dallas, or Houston. There is only one opening.

*This position has a remote/hybrid work arrangement, with the expectation to be in the office on an as needed basis.

Responsibilities

The Communications Manager will manage and execute public relations and internal communications initiatives, including media relations and day-to-day communications activities. The ideal candidate is a public relations and communications professional who has a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals at all levels of a matrixed organization, effectively work with the press, external PR agencies and vendors. This position will report to the Senior Communications Manager.

External and Internal Communications

• Manage and execute day-to-day communications.
• Partner with the Senior Communications Manager in the development and execution of public relations programs and initiatives as part of the firm’s and individual practice and industry team’s marketing and business development efforts.
• Proactively identify, secure, review and evaluate media opportunities for our lawyers with regional and national business and trade press outlets and develop talking points as necessary.
• Work closely and collaboratively with the firm’s entire Business Development and Marketing team and external PR agencies support firm practice group and industry team business goals.
• Partner with Senior Communications Manager and PR agencies on the responses to press inquiries, and identify public relations opportunities to garner news coverage.
• Collaborate closely across businesses and industries to ensure messaging, reporter outreach, and signature issue positioning are aligned and opportunities are maximized.
• Build and/or strengthen key reporter relationships, staying current on relevant news outlets, reporters, and their areas of focus.
• Review, proofread and write content for press releases, media pitches, talking points, articles, the firm's website, internal newsletters, ranking and award submissions.
• Assist in the preparation of spokespeople and leaders for media interviews and speaking engagements by providing refresher media training as appropriate and collaborating with the Senior Communications Manager to conduct media training for spokespeople when required.
• Develop and execute internal communications campaigns and projects.
• Support internal communications through the firm's online mechanisms. This can include drafting content for the firm website, internal firm newsletter, and social media.
• Suggest content and social media campaign strategies to further elevate the firm, lawyers and practice and industry teams.
• Monitor and report results of communications and public relations activities.
• Other administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 5 years of relevant experience in a communications role at a law firm, public relations/communications firm, or other professional services environment (e.g., private equity firm, consulting firm) with an interest or career focus in media relations and communications.
• Attention to detail and strong organization and planning skills.
• Creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to work independently, and as part of a team with the ability to build credibility and develop internal and external relationships.
• Strong editing skills and familiarity with AP Style.
• Ability to learn quickly and to perform in a fast-paced environment, meeting frequent, sometimes quick turnaround deadlines.
• Flexibility to adapt to quickly changing priorities.
• Thorough understanding of confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with legal rankings and award nominations is a plus (Chambers, Legal 500, etc.).

Education

Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Major (if applicable): Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or Journalism

Computer/Software Knowledge

Required: Strong computer skills with proficiency in the Microsoft Suite.Preferred: Knowledge of Cision (or equivalent press/media database), BusinessWire (or equivalent newswire platform), Zoom is a plus.

Work Environment

A fun, fast-paced environment. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel Requirements

Minimal travel, less than 10%.

#LI-CW1 #LI-Fulltime #LI-Hybrid #LI-Associate

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.