Communications & PR Manager

Communications & PR Manager

Confidential Search · Global Law Firm

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

About the opportunity

Our client, a global law firm with offices across the U.S. and London, is hiring a Communications & PR Manager to join its in house Communications department. This is a rare structure in the legal industry: a fully dedicated Communications function operating independently at the firm level, reporting to a Chief Communications Officer. The team has real strategic authority, direct access to firm leadership, and the resources to do the work properly.

The Manager will lead communications and public relations efforts for several of the firm's highest profile litigation and industry practices, including Media & Entertainment, Consumer Brands, Sports & Gaming, and AI/Technology. The role also supports the firm's nationally recognized pro bono program.

What you'll do

• External communications and media relations. Own press strategy for a portfolio of practice groups whose work regularly attracts national coverage. Build and maintain relationships with journalists at top tier outlets, pitch stories, prepare partners for interviews, and advise on when to engage and when to hold back. Draft press releases, talking points, bylines, and op eds.
• Internal communications. Shape how partners, associates, and staff hear about firm news, wins, and strategic priorities. Write and edit firm memos, intranet content, leadership messages, and other internal channels.
• Thought leadership and profile building. Manage award submissions for individual lawyers, practices, and the firm. Place bylined articles in target publications. Support the firm's efforts to elevate the profile of in house counsel at client organizations.
• Pro bono storytelling. Help highlight the firm's pro bono work, which is consistently recognized as among the best in the country.
• Campaigns and agency management. Support integrated communications and marketing campaigns. Manage external PR consultants and ensure their work meets firm standards.
• Website, social, and special projects. Draft and edit content for the firm's website and social channels. Help design social media campaigns. Manage ad hoc projects as they arise.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Five to seven years of communications management experience or equivalent.
• Candidates with law firm, professional services, or journalism backgrounds are strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to edit others' work tactfully.
• Established relationships with journalists, or a demonstrated ability to build them.
• Sound judgment about what constitutes a story and how to position it. Comfort advising senior lawyers and pushing back diplomatically when needed.
• Strong working knowledge of social media platforms at a strategic level.
• High attention to detail. Proofreading and accuracy are essential.

Why apply

• Standalone Communications department with senior leadership visibility.
• Portfolio of practice areas that generate genuinely interesting press: entertainment, sports, AI, consumer brands.
• A firm widely recognized for both its legal work and its pro bono commitment.
• Based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule.