External Communications Executive

Shoosmiths; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in London seeks an External Communications Executive to enhance their PR strategy. The individual will drive media relations, support campaigns, and manage communications efforts aligned with the firm's goals. This role promises opportunities for professional growth and engagement in a dynamic legal environment.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits package

Competitive remuneration system

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of media and experience in publicising key news.
• Exceptional writing and research skills essential.
• Strong organisational and people skills for stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Support media relations and external communications efforts.
• Guide stakeholders on PR best practices.
• Draft press releases and engage with journalists.

Skills

Media Relations

Research & Writing

Team Coordination

Monitoring & Reporting

Education

Journalism or Public Relations qualifications

Job description

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External Communications Executive, London

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Client:

Shoosmiths

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

ffa188e07502

Job Views:

6

Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

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Job Description:

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.

The role

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.

The role

Working as part of Shoosmiths’ PR & External Communications function, you will support the firm’s strategy, focusing on the three key pillars of Advisory Services & Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate, alongside the core sectors: financial services, technology, living, mobility, and energy and infrastructure. Reporting to the Head of PR & External Communications, you will support media relations and external communications efforts to raise lawyer and practice group profiles and the firm’s brand.

You will guide key stakeholders on PR best practices to deliver strong external communications aligned to the firm strategy. You will be part of the wider Business Development & Marketing team and work closely with these colleagues on campaigns, sponsorships, sustainability/DEI programmes, and other firm-wide initiatives. Based in London, you will work with colleagues in our other offices to support communications in those regions.

You will join a collegial team within a forward-thinking, ambitious law firm. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for senior exposure and to use your creative flair to tell the firm’s story and grow in the role.

Main responsibilities

Press Office: support the firm’s priority practices within its three key pillars of Advisory Services & Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate, and the core sectors (financial services, technology, living, mobility, and energy and infrastructure) by driving daily proactive and reactive media relations.

You should be able to spot a news opportunity, engage the relevant stakeholders, and devise the best media approach. Drafting press releases, pitches (trade, broadsheets, and broadcast), thought leadership pieces, and commentary is a key part of your role. You will also develop strong relationships with journalists at key media outlets and publications.

Reputation Management: with the wider communications function, you will be responsible for managing the firm’s corporate reputation. Responsibilities include publicising appointments and promotions, as well as other key milestones, such as the annual financial results, sustainability programs, and talent retention and attraction initiatives.

Campaigns: working with the wider BD team, you will support media and external communications activity in support of campaigns tied to specific initiatives and projects. This will also include support in creating of the annual Impact report.

Digital: you will assist with the firm’s social media channels to ensure content is fresh and relevant to the firm’s audiences. You will also assist with ensuring website content is current and accurate.

Reporting: Using the firm’s monitoring tools and databases, you will maintain accurate records of the firm’s media opportunities and successes to create regular reports showing the progress of the firm’s external communications initiatives. You will use this data to demonstrate the ROI of PR and develop best practices to make the function more effective going forwards.

Awards & Surveys: Working with wider BD, fee-earning, and finance teams to compile annual surveys and awards submissions.

Ad Hoc Projects: support on additional projects and programs, as needed.

Skills and qualifications

Media Relations: an in-depth knowledge of and interest in the media is essential. Experience in print and online media to publicise key news and information is crucial. A broad business and legal media contact base is a bonus.

Research & Writing: exceptional writing and research skills are essential. You should be able to grasp legal concepts, trends, and developments and tie them into relevant topical issues. You should be able to develop copy that effectively communicates the firm’s messages and expertise and that sparks interest from the firm’s different external audience groups, including media and clients. Attention to detail, editing, and proofreading skills are also essential.

Team Coordination: Strong organisational and people skills are essential for stakeholder and project management duties. You should be comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels and be an excellent ambassador for the team.

Monitoring & Reporting: ability to demonstrate external communications successes to all levels within the firm is essential.

Journalism or public relations qualifications are highly preferred.

Key competencies include:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Efficient and accurate with superb organisational skills.

Ability to work to deadlines.

Curiosity and desire to learn constantly.

Enjoys a variety of tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Ability to juggle and prioritise several projects.

A team player who fosters strong relationships with diplomacy, respect, kindness, and good humour.

Calm under pressure.

Inquisitive, creative, and confident to give advice.

Journalism or public relations qualifications are highly preferred.