Public Relations Specialist

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Troutman Pepper Locke LLP in Chicago, IL, is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support PR initiatives and day‑to‑day communications. The role focuses on media relations, content creation, and brand‑aligned messaging.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in PR, preferably in a law firm, with strong writing and AP style skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects with professionalism. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, English, or equivalent.
• Minimum five years of public relations experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain media relationships and coordinate inquiries.
• Update media contact lists and monitor PR results.
• Support PR needs with marketing teams and practice groups.
• Produce high‑quality press releases, pitches, and website materials.
• Ensure content aligns with brand guidelines and complies with regulations.
• Leverage AI to generate or improve content.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Project management

AP style

Editing

Attention to detail

Reporting

Workflow optimization

Strategic thinking

Time management

Professionalism

AI content tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or Communications

Tools

AI content tooling

Job description

We are always seeking talented, motivated, growth‑minded, and creative individuals. Our firm is committed to providing employee support and advancement, while embracing inclusion and innovation as keys to a stronger future.

The Public Relations (PR) Specialist, as part of the Communications team, will be responsible for supporting public relations initiatives and other day‑to‑day communications activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with media contacts and coordinate media inquiries and interviews.
• Assist in updating and maintaining media contact lists.
• Assist in monitoring and regularly reporting results of public relations activities.
• Work closely with the Marketing team, practice groups, and other departments to support public relations needs and initiatives.
• Develop and produce high‑quality content for press releases, media pitches, the firm’s website, as well as other materials as assigned.
• Ensure all content aligns with the firm’s brand guidelines and maintain a consistent tone and style.
• Ensure all content complies with relevant laws, regulations, and firm policies.
• Leverage AI to generate or improve content.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong media relations skills, including the ability to identify newsworthy angles, develop targeted pitches, manage reporter outreach, and secure earned media opportunities.
• Established relationships with reporters and media contacts relevant to the firm’s key industries and markets.
• Excellent oral, writing, and project management skills with a strong understanding of AP style.
• Strong editing and proofreading skills, including ability to improve structure, clarity, grammar, and tone.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Experience preparing reports with the ability to organize data, interpret results, identify key takeaways, and communicate insights clearly.
• Process‑oriented mindset, with the ability to follow and help improve workflows, calendars, and tracking systems.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically about public relations opportunities, media angles, and ways to amplify firm news and thought leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated professionalism, confidence, and sound judgment when communicating with stakeholders.
• Experience using AI to support content generation and communications projects.

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, with a specialization in public relations, communications, English, or an equivalent field. Minimum five (5) years of experience in public relations, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.

The Firm will comply with any applicable city or state workplace mandates in effect in regards to Covid‑19. This position description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. The statements contained in the position description are not necessarily all‑inclusive and additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by business needs. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By applying for this position, you agree and understand that Troutman Pepper Locke will process your Personal Information pursuant to the terms of our Worker and Applicant Global Privacy Notice. If you have questions about our data handling practices, or you are a resident of California, the United Kingdom, or the European Union and wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal Employment Opportunity

Troutman Pepper Locke adheres to a policy of equal opportunity and will make all employment decisions, which include hiring, promotion, transfer, demotion, evaluation, compensation and separation, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital or armed forces status and any other classification as protected by law.

Compensation

Hiring Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00

About Us

Your experience is our difference. We aim to make a tangible and lasting difference for you and your business. As a client of our firm, you can expect us to be ahead of the curve in your industry, start closer to the right answer on your issue, and create more value. What drives you, drives us. Troutman Pepper Locke helps clients solve complex legal challenges and achieve their business goals in an ever‑changing global economy. As a firm of more than 1,600 attorneys in 35 offices in the U.S., UK, and EU, including the 10 largest U.S. legal markets, we serve clients ranging from multinational companies to new market entrants across all major industry sectors, and offer differentiated experience in energy, financial services, health care and life sciences, insurance and reinsurance, private equity, and real estate. We put clients first. This service ethic manifests itself in everything we do, including through Troutman Plus, our market‑leading client value program. Through Troutman Plus, we collaborate with clients to understand their unique needs and deliver customized solutions that add real value to their business. A true service culture thrives on an inclusive environment of mutual support and collaboration — values we emphasize at every level of our firm. Delivering the best service to you depends on a work environment that embraces respect, inclusiveness, and teamwork, empowering every individual to contribute. The best ideas emerge when everyone has a seat at the table. Corporate responsibility is central to our mission as we reach out to the communities we serve in meaningful partnerships and pro bono work. Individuals and groups firmwide contribute time and talent to the civic, cultural, charitable, educational, and professional organizations that matter to them.