The American Lawyer crowned Ropes & Gray “Law Firm of the Year” in 2022, ranked it #1 on its prestigious “A-List,” and named it one of its “Kings of the Hill” on the 2022 Am Law 100—a ranking of the most powerful law firms. Collectively, these honors reflect Ropes & Gray’s leading market position. Ropes & Gray is among the fastest-growing, most profitable and most prestigious law firms in the world. Its success is measured in its strong financial performance, grounded in exceptional client work, its expansive pro bono program, consistent firmwide attorney satisfaction, and a deep commitment to racial diversity and gender equity.

Clients trust the firm with their most important matters because they know Ropes & Gray’s lawyers and business support understand their businesses and deliver the results they need. The firm’s attorneys and world-class business support have built a stellar reputation. They deliver clients with high-quality work, take a pragmatic approach, and demonstrate impeccable standards of service and ethics. The firm counts many of the world’s most respected companies and institutions as its longtime clients.

Operating in the most dynamic financial centers around the world, Ropes & Gray serves organizations at all stages of development, as well as investors and individuals. With 1,500 attorneys spanning 17 time zones, teams collaborate seamlessly from North America, Europe and Asia to provide clients with the high-quality representation and uncompromising, round-the-clock service that have made Ropes & Gray a global leader.

Job Description: Reporting to the public relations manager, the public relations specialist will lead Ropes & Gray’s public relations initiatives for several of the firm’s core practice groups, including private capital transactions, business restructuring, tax, employment and benefits. Our aim is to elevate and differentiate Ropes & Gray’s brand by communicating the complex, cutting-edge and interesting work that our lawyers are leading across transactions, regulatory, compliance, litigation and investigations, while also communicating the firm’s commitment to its communities and public service—a hallmark of Ropes & Gray.

Essential Functions:

• Media Relations

° With the public relations manager, serve as a point of contact for the firm’s media relations for core practices and geographies outlined above.

° Develop and implement strategic public relations plans for core practices.

° Prospect for and pitch stories to the business, trade, legal and daily media in the Americas and around the globe.

° Nurture relationships between reporters and the firm’s lawyers to drive coverage of the firm.

° Vet media inquiries for potential interviews with Ropes & Gray lawyers.

° Draft messaging points and briefing documents.

° Draft press releases and external announcements, including for deals and lateral arrivals.

° Assist with the placement of articles and thought leadership pieces.

· Awards & Rankings

° Working closely with the public relations manager, lead the firm’s awards and rankings strategy for practices and regions outlined above; identify deadlines, evaluate entry criteria with our lawyers, draft and submit awards entries with assistance from the public relations writer, promote award wins on the firm’s website, intranet and LinkedIn.

· Writing

° Develop communications that are clear, accurate and aligned with the firm’s strategic goals. Anticipate needs, respond quickly to requests and draft materials as needed.

° Provide high-level reporting, writing and editing for public relations communications. Solicit input and feedback from internal clients (e.g., firm leadership, attorneys, practice and business development support team members), proofread and fact-check material on tight deadlines.

° Proactively seek out, identify and develop compelling, timely content for website and intranet stories and other firm communications, based on practice group activities, successes (wins, deals, etc.), thought leadership activities, pro bono efforts, events, executive initiatives and more.

° Take raw content describing the firm’s services, practices and attorneys and create compelling prose that effectively promotes the firm’s capabilities while maintaining a professional tone and style.

° Develop innovative ways to showcase the firm, our practices and lawyers.

° Serve as a resource for attorneys and marketing communications, business development and practice development staff across the firm.

Requirements:

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES:

· Demonstrated understanding of process by which stories originate and are published in various media.

· Track record of producing positive media placements for a law firm or other professional services organization.

· Ability to develop relationships among the media and work closely with reporters and editors.

· Excellent writing and editing skills.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (orally as well as in writing) with all levels of attorneys and staff.

· Ability to command attention in fast-paced, highly demanding environment.

· Ability to work effectively and efficiently in a team as well as independently; must be able to share information, goals, opportunities, successes and failures with the appropriate parties.

· Ability to multi-task, set priorities, and meet multiple deadlines in fast-paced environment.

· A self-starter who understands the details within a much larger content.

· Be flexible and tolerate ambiguity in order to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities.

· Strong people and project management skills.

· Attention to detail.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

· Bachelor’s Degree with 4-6 years journalism, PR agency or professional services experience; law firm marketing or PR experience preferred.

· Experience prospecting for and pitching potential stories.

· Prior experience working with various forms of media, including print, electronic and social media.

· Knowledge of various media platforms in which attorneys can obtain visibility, including electronic media.

· Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively and concisely in writing and orally.

· Excellent organization, project management, and communication skills required.

Additional Information:

Working Conditions:

· Incumbent is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. Firm management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs.

NY Comprehensive Total Rewards Package

Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members. The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture. The anticipated pay range for this role is $79,000 - $117,000 which represents our good faith and reasonable estimate of the starting salary range at the time of posting. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data and consideration of internal equity