Associate Director of External Communications – Litigation

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals
• Build and maintain relationships with influential media
• Develop communications strategies with the Department Chair and litigation practice leadership
• Support business priorities, strengthen Cooley’s position in key markets and highlight the firm’s distinctive capabilities
• Oversee the department’s awards and recognitions program, including prioritization, processes and key submissions
• Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communications
• Develop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources for an effective external communications function
• Identify and shape compelling stories around the department, clients and lawyers
• Lead proactive external communications campaigns through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotion
• Serve as spokesperson and primary media contact
• Advise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile matters
• Provide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparation
• Develop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materials
• Mentor direct reports
• Supervise direct reports and monitor compliance with work hours and firm and department policies
• Support professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events in collaboration with the supervisor and HR
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
• Ability to travel, as required
• Minimum 8 years’ direct experience in communications or public relations with B2B clients and at a management level
• 4+ years’ management experience; some at the senior level preferred
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field
• Experience providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction
• Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling
• Strong working knowledge of and contacts within national print, broadcast and online media
• Strong understanding of financial markets, business concepts and related subject matter
• Experience with crisis and issues management communications
• Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies and content creation best practices
• Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional writing skills and strong attention to detail
• Ability to lead others in developing and executing initiatives and large-scale projects
• Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams
• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment and think quickly
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines and multitask
• Ability to develop professional relationships internally and externally
• Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communication
• Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency, government service or political environment preferred
• 10+ years of applicable experience strongly preferred

Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management, with a strong ability to lead teams and develop impactful messaging. Proficient in digital marketing and content creation, with a focus on building relationships and enhancing organizational reputation.

• Strategic Leadership
• Crisis Communications
• Media Relations
• Team Management
• Digital Marketing

• Communications Strategy
• Press Release Writing
• Media Pitching
• Content Creation
• Crisis Management
• Performance Management
• Reporting Development
• Policy Development
• Media Training
• Interview Preparation

• Interpersonal Skills
• Negotiation
• Motivational Leadership
• Attention to Detail
• Excellent Communication

• Public Relations
• B2B Communications
• Legal Communications
• Professional Services
• Financial Markets

• Microsoft Office Suite
• IManage
• Social Media Platforms
• Content Promotion Tools
• Media Monitoring Tools