Senior PR and Communications executive

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

The Business Development & Marketing team takes much care of the firm’s external reputation, employing a number of tools to optimise our profile in the market.  Growing profitable income from clients and targets is the key aim of the national Business Development team, and they do this in two main ways, by:

• supporting Relationships (with existing Clients, Targets and Intermediaries)
• developing a strong brand, profile and Reputation for Shoosmiths in the UK market and overseas.

Working as part of the Communications team to provide pro-active and informed communications support to the board and legal advisers to position Shoosmiths in the external UK marketplace as a leading firm in the UK legal profession.  Ensure that the communications delivered aligns to the firm’s overall strategy.  Communications activities will cover media relations, awards submissions, photography, social media and other activities needed to support divisions and sectors and the firm as a whole.

• Working closely with the divisions and sectors, with limited supervision, to understand their business needs aligned to growth objectives, identify key issues and deliver media relations (press releases, press comment, articles, social media, appointments) and wider communications to support those needs and targets.
• Identify media “experts” within the firm and support them in their development as spokespeople for Shoosmiths, through media training, ongoing coaching, pre-event briefings and becoming a trusted adviser to the individuals concerned.
• Review and edit marketing collateral (including Legal Updates) for ToV ahead of being published.
• Assisting the National PR and Communications Manager in the management of agencies and consultants to the firm and ensuring programmes are mapped to the regions’ needs as well as the wider Shoosmiths’ strategy.  Managing the agencies time and ensuring within the agreed budget

Take ownership of one of the new sectors, working with the sector head to develop a communications/PR plan to support the sector strategy and targets, while also aligning to the wider firm.

• To build excellent working relationships with colleagues across the BD team, and share knowledge and work closely with:
• Division & sectors team
• National digital team
• Client & market knowledge team
• Campaign & events team.
• Along with the Communications team, work closely with the Head of Internal Communications providing alerts of forthcoming campaigns/activities and keeping her abreast of the wider communications programmes. Also providing copy for Teambrief and C9 when required.
• Proactively suggest new ideas or initiatives that could have a significant effect on Shoosmiths’ operations, effectiveness and efficiency.
• Supporting the national PR and communications manager with discreet handling of communications around sensitive issues or potential crises for Shoosmiths.
• Contribute to the analysis and measurement of PR and communications activity undertaken by the firm by providing incremental reports to the national PR and communications manager

• A team player who can meet deadlines, prioritise workloads and manage multiple projects in a demanding environment and to tight deadlines without compromising on quality of work.
• A self-starter with the intellectual rigour, confidence and courage to lead on initiatives with the experience to guide and challenge and be challenged, where and when necessary.
• Ability to inspire confidence and trust in the team and the business.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with complex subject matter.
• Knowledge of Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
• Accuracy and attention to detail, commensurate with working for a top UK national law firm committed to delivering the highest standards.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and presentational skills.
• At least 4 years in similar role
• A sense of humour.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.