Media Strategist

WilmerHale; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 192,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Schedule

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match and profit‑?

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

WilmerHale is seeking a senior communications professional to oversee media relations for its IP, transactional, and securities practices. The role requires a strong background in public relations, strategic PR planning, and collaboration with firm leadership.

The position offers a hybrid schedule in New York, with travel as needed and a focus on thought leadership and brand enhancement across national and global audiences.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of press or public relations experience required.
• Experience with crisis communications is a plus.
• BA/BS degree required.

Responsibilities

• Oversees media relations for the firm’s IP, transactional and securities practices.
• Develops and executes PR strategies aligned with global goals and business objectives.
• Prepares lawyers for media appearances and crisis communications.
• Collaborates with leadership and client development teams to drive PR initiatives.
• Oversees media relations for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Skills

PRexperience

Crisiscommunications

Writingskills

Travelwillingness

Interpersonalskills

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

What You’ll Love About This Position

• Oversees media relations for the firm’s intellectual property, transactional and securities practices across the United States and at times globally. Executes a media relations program that reflects the firm’s initiatives, supports business development goals and identifies opportunities that build the firm’s reputation for thought leadership. Enhances the firm’s reputation and brand by managing media relations and contributing to the internal PR team. Reports to the Director of Communications and Public Relations.

How You Will Impact the Firm

• A self-motivated individual who both, independently and with practice leaders, assesses media interaction and proactively pursues public relations activities consistent with global strategy and business goals.
• Provides support and guidance to the intellectual property, transactional and securities practices in the development and review of the firm’s public relations, business development and marketing strategies. Project manages and establishes self as a go-to contact for PR best practices.
• Collaborates daily with firm leadership including department chairs, client development directors/managers and practice management directors/managers.
• Oversees media relations for firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
• Writes, prepares and places firm announcements and attorney-written articles and helps draw attention to the newsworthy activity of WilmerHale lawyers. Knowledgeable about mainstream, legal and/or trade publications’ guidelines and knows the relevant personnel in those outlets.
• Prepares lawyers for media appearances and assists in crisis communications.
• Able to address multiple tasks simultaneously with strong attention to detail, while collaborating with team members and managing the duties of direct reports in a fast-paced team environment.
• Works closely with the communications and public relations team as well as various members of the Client Development Department. Forward-facing for partners, practice group leaders and department chairs.
• Contributes to managing the internal PR team and selected external agencies and consultants.
• Provides input into, and at times writes, submissions for various awards and surveys which tie into the strategies of the intellectual property, transactional and securities practices.

Required Skills

Required Experience

Who You Are

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion.
• Ability to identify and create media opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal, organization and management skills.
• Willingness to work with others on other marketing projects, as needed.
• Excellent oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and handle multiple matters simultaneously.
• Excellent business writing skills, including knowledge of business English, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
• Willingness to be flexible. Ability to travel to other firm locations when necessary.

Required Skills:

• Seven+ years of press or public relations experience. Journalism, public relations agency, government/policy background and/or experience with professional service/law firm(s) preferred.
• Experience with crisis communications is a plus.
• BA/BS required.

Why Join Us?

A values‑driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect

The hiring range for this position is $192,200 – $240,300 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options
Paid time off and holidays

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.