Chicago - Public Relations Manager

About Us

At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together.
Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you're in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. You'll work with leading clients. Disruptors. Fast-growth companies. And help them to stay one step ahead of the moment and make critical decisions that shape their future. We're present in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining the scale and speed that clients demand. You'll be trusted with real responsibility from the outset and build experience through hands-on work. We take your progression personally. We provide the platform. You shape the work around your goals and aspirations. Step into the moments that matter. Join Winston Taylor.

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for shaping and protecting the firm's reputation through strategic communications, proactive and reactive media relations, and brand storytelling. This role develops and executes public relations strategies that align to business development priorities, brand objectives, and enhances visibility and credibility. The successful public relations manager is proactive, highly organized, responsive, and skilled at translating complex ideas into compelling narratives.

Position responsibilities

• Aligning with Business Development practice teams, develop and implement comprehensive PR strategies to elevate firm, practices and individuals.
• Coordinate with external PR agencies to set priorities for assigned practice areas, coordinate proactive outreach, and vet opportunities.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, and briefing materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers in legal and industry sector press.
• Pitch and secure high-impact media coverage across relevant outlets.
• Conduct ongoing competitor reviews and remain current on trends impacting clients and practices.
• Evaluate earned media opportunities (web and social), ensure conflict clearance and other approvals, and coordinate lawyer participation in media engagement.
• Collaborate in content development as both a thought partner and in the placement of lawyer-authored articles and signature firm content.
• Support and contribute to firm-wide awards and survey submissions process in partnership with relevant teams.
• Provide ongoing media coaching; prepare lawyers for interviews and participate as needed.
• Liaise with other operational departments, including Pro Bono, Human Resources, Lawyer Recruitment and Finance, among others to identify profile-raising opportunities and content for the submissions process.
• Support miscellaneous administrative processes, including media monitoring, tracking, and reporting.
  

Experience, skills, and qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field required.
• 7+ years of proven experience in public relations required, preferably within a legal or professional services environment.
• Must live within a commutable distance to the applicable firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week.
• Strong understanding of media relations and communication strategies.
• Experience managing day-to-day collaboration with PR agencies.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with reporters and editors; should have established existing relationships.
• Excellent writing, editing, and content creation skills.
• Strategic thinking and storytelling competencies.
• Strong project management abilities, with the capacity to oversee multiple projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams while prioritizing deliverables.
• Strong skills in reputation management and judgement.
• Experience in coaching professionals for media communication.
• Strong leadership, mentorship, and management skills.
• Ability to develop and implement PR strategies with a transatlantic perspective.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment under pressure, build trust with both media and internal stakeholders, and consistently elevate the organization's public presence.
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations and monitor time sensitive press needs during off- hours.