Communications & PR Manager

Communications & PR Manager

Confidential Search · Global Law Firm

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

About the opportunit

yOur 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 progra

m.
What you'll

• doExternal 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 e
• ds.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 channe
• ls.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 organizatio
• ns.Pro bono storytelling. Help highlight the firm's pro bono work, which is consistently recognized as among the best in the count
• ry.Campaigns and agency management. Support integrated communications and marketing campaigns. Manage external PR consultants and ensure their work meets firm standar
• ds.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 ari

se.
What we're looking

• forBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related fi
• eld.Five to seven years of communications management experience or equival
• ent.Candidates with law firm, professional services, or journalism backgrounds are strongly prefer
• red.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to edit others' work tactfu
• lly.Established relationships with journalists, or a demonstrated ability to build t
• hem.Sound judgment about what constitutes a story and how to position it. Comfort advising senior lawyers and pushing back diplomatically when nee
• ded.Strong working knowledge of social media platforms at a strategic le
• vel.High attention to detail. Proofreading and accuracy are essent

ial.
Why

• applyStandalone Communications department with senior leadership visibi
• lity.Portfolio of practice areas that generate genuinely interesting press: entertainment, sports, AI, consumer br
• ands.A firm widely recognized for both its legal work and its pro bono commit