Manager: Public Relations

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Commercial department in our New York office as a Manager: Public Relations.

The Manager: Public Relations will champion the firm's brand, spotlight its achievements, and help shape how clients, media, and the marketplace see the firm. This role will turn great work into great stories. Working closely with partners and business leaders, the Manager: Public Relations will develop creative communications strategies that amplify thought leadership, strengthen reputation, and keep the firm front and center.

Essential Functions: 

• Develop and execute public relations and media relations strategies for designated practices, industry groups, offices, and individual lawyers
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other key media contacts across legal, business, trade, and industry publications
• Attend industry networking events to build and enhance relationships
• Identify emerging legal, regulatory, and business trends and proactively position lawyers as thought leaders through media interviews, commentary opportunities, speaking engagements, and other profile-raising activities
• Pitch and secure media coverage in targeted print, broadcast, digital, and social media outlets. Coverage should help the firm achieve its business objectives
• Develop compelling storylines to secure stories in outlets where you wouldn’t expect to see a law firm included
• Draft, edit, and coordinate press releases, media pitches, briefing materials, talking points, award submissions, lateral partner announcements, and other communications materials
• Prepare lawyers for media interviews, speaking engagements, podcasts, and other external communications opportunities through coaching and message development
• Collaborate with Business Development, Recruiting, Human Resources, and other administrative departments to identify and promote firm achievements and strategic initiatives
• Support the placement and promotion of lawyer-authored articles, thought leadership content, and other firm publications
• Manage the activities of external public relations agencies, consultants, and vendors supporting designated practice areas and firm initiatives
• Monitor media coverage, competitor activity, and industry developments; provide reporting and strategic recommendations to firm leadership
• Assist with internal communications initiatives and provide communications counsel to lawyers and firm leadership as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned to support firm goals and objectives.

Education/Training/Certifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, Communications or related field, required

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of six years of experience working with public relations/media relations/marketing setting, required
• Prior experience working at a law firm, PR agency or professional services firm, preferred

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required
• Knowledge of online and electronic newswire services, media tracking and Internet research resources, and website marketing, required

Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors
• Results-oriented mindset with a proven ability to translate communications strategies into measurable business outcomes.
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email [email protected]. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.

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