Public Relations Manager

The Public Relations Manager will assist the Global Director, Communications to serve as the day-to-day point of contact for the firm’s media queries and develop and execute a proactive media relations program for the firm’s U.S. practices and individual lawyers.

Collaborates with partners, U.S. marketing managers, and PR agencies to implement institutional and targeted industry/practice media strategies with reach to the legal, national, business, trade and web press as set forth by the Global Director, Communications.

• Within the context of business and marketing plans, work with the Global Director, Communications to help develop media plans that reflect the firm’s brand and positioning, disseminate key messages, and achieve the media coverage goals of the firm and practice groups.
• Collaborate with colleagues in a variety of disciplines from across the firm to manage day-to-day execution of PR programs and ensure integrated communications approach for internal and external audiences.
• Oversee the placement of firm press announcements and seek out other brand enhancement opportunities, such as award submissions, thought leadership opportunities for the firm's lawyers and the placement of articles.
• Research media markets via geography, industry and medium as necessary.

• Serve as the firm’s primary point of contact with the media for all inbound queries.
• Schedule and staff interviews and meetings with reporters and lawyers.
• Routinely meet and interact with members of the press to establish and maintain key working relationships.

• Position Dechert lawyers as thought leaders for use by media.
• With guidance and input, actively generate and seek story ideas and pitch to legal, general business and trade press.
• Investigate story angles to improve newsworthiness of routine firm developments (e.g., office opening, big win, new partners).
• Write and edit compelling press releases, pitches, and other PR copy.
• Pitch byline articles.
• Monitor advertising calendars of relevant publications and communicate/recommend opportunities. Provide basic media training, advising lawyers and other Dechert personnel on interview techniques.
• Assist with effective media tracking.

• Significant media contacts across all formats, preferably in the legal industry Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to deal with complex subject matter – preferably legal or financial.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to prioritize and coordinate own work.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Polite, professional, positive, and collaborative manner.
• Good grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn new skills as they become necessary.
• Ability to function in a collaborative organization and be a team player.

• College degree with an emphasis on communications, journalism, public relations, business or English.
• 5-7 years relevant experience.
• Understanding of legal industry preferred.

New York Full time