Communications Specialist

Society of Professional Journalists; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York seeks a Communications Specialist to join the Global Communications team. You will manage communications for designated practice areas, develop media relations, internal communications, digital content, social media and awards initiatives, and collaborate with firm leadership and external PR agency.

Reporting to the Senior Communications Manager, you will craft pitches, press releases, and web content, support thought leadership, and help position the firm at

Qualifications

• 3+ years in strategic communications, media relations or PR.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong writing and editing to translate complex concepts clearly.
• Sound judgment and discretion for sensitive or crisis communications.
• Experience with digital platforms and social media for branding.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communications strategies across practices and priorities.
• Draft and edit media pitches, press releases, web content and social posts.
• Research practices, industries and market developments for opportunities.
• Collaborate with partners, Practice Management and Marketing teams and the PR agency.
• Support crisis communications and firm-wide initiatives under senior oversight.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Public relations

Writing and editing

Crisis communications

Social media management

Cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Business landscape familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Communications Specialist

MARKETING Department

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is a premier international law firm with market-leading practices, a global perspective and strong New York roots. Debevoise clients engage our lawyers for the high degree of quality, strategic focus and creativity we bring to our legal advice. Our talented administrative and legal support staff bring the same commitment to their work, ensuring the firm delivers the highest level of service and a distinctive client experience. We attract and retain highly skilled and dedicated staff by providing a work environment that is diverse, collaborative, respectful and collegial, and where professional growth is encouraged and nurtured.

The firm is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist to join its Global Communications team, reporting to the Senior Communications Manager and working closely with the Director of Global Communications, this individual will manage communications for designated practice areas and strategic firm initiatives, serving as a trusted adviser to partners while collaborating closely with firm leadership, Practice Management, Marketing and the firm's external PR agency.

This is an opportunity to join a tight knit, high performance team known for strategic insight, collaboration and strong execution. The Communications Specialist will develop and execute media relations, internal communications, digital content, social media and awards initiatives, while supporting partners and practice groups across the firm.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Help develop and execute communications strategies across a range of practices and strategic firm priorities, including thought leadership, partner prominence, promotion of client work and firm achievements, and the firm's profile in areas such as AI and emerging legal technologies.
• Draft and edit communications materials, including media pitches, press releases, Web content, social media posts, award submissions, talking points and internal communications.
• Research practices, industries, legal matters and market developments to identify communications opportunities and support the development of informed, timely content.
• Work collaboratively with partners, Practice Management and Marketing colleagues, the firm's external PR agency and other stakeholders to support communications strategies, media opportunities and related initiatives.
• Support communications related to sensitive issues, crisis management and firmwide initiatives under the direction of senior members of the Global Communications team.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations or public relations.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant graduate-level study preferred.
• Demonstrated media relations experience, including developing pitches, supporting journalist outreach, securing placements and supporting senior leaders in external engagements.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex legal, business and technology concepts into clear, precise and compelling content across multiple formats.
• Sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to balance competing priorities and support sensitive or crisis-related communications under pressure.
• Comfortable working across digital platforms and social media channels, with an understanding of their role in strategic communications and brand positioning.
• Collaborative and service-oriented, with strong interpersonal skills and the confidence and poise to interact directly with partners, firm leaders and other senior stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects while seeking guidance and incorporating feedback when appropriate.
• Foundational understanding of the business and financial landscape, including familiarity with mergers and acquisitions, private equity, capital markets, disputes and related matters, or the ability to develop that knowledge quickly.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidates from a wide range of sectors are encouraged to apply - we prioritize exceptional thinking and writing ability over any particular industry background.
• Interest in developments across the legal industry, including generative artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, with the curiosity to stay current and communicate about them effectively.