External Communications Executive

Main information

• Term type:

Permanent
- Team:

BD & Marketing
- Location:

London

The role

Working as part of Shoosmiths' PR & External Communications function, you will support the firm's strategy, focusing on the three key pillars of Advisory Services & Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate, alongside the core sectors: Energy & Infrastructure, Financial Services, Mobility, Logistics & Manufacturing, Consumer & Retail, and Technology & AI.

Reporting to the Head of PR & External Communications, you will support media relations and external communications efforts to raise lawyer and practice group profiles and the firm's brand.

You will guide key stakeholders on PR best practices to deliver strong external communications aligned to the firm strategy. You will be part of the wider Business Development & Marketing team and work closely with these colleagues on campaigns, awards submissions, sustainability/responsible business programmes, and other firm-wide initiatives.

Based in London, you will work with colleagues in our other offices to support communications in those regions. You will join a collegial team within a forward-thinking, ambitious law firm. You'll have plenty of opportunities for senior exposure and to use your creative flair to tell the firm's story and grow in the role.

Skills and experience

We're looking for a highly motivated PR and communications professional with 2+ years of prior experience, ideally in an agency or professional services in-house role. Relevant journalism experience will also be considered.

Media Relations: an in-depth knowledge of (and interest in) news media is essential. You should be a voracious reader of news and interested in topical issues pertaining to the legal sector and the firm's practice groups. Experience in print and online media to publicise key news and information is crucial. A broad business and legal media contact base is a bonus.

Research & Writing: exceptional writing and research skills are essential. You should be able to grasp legal concepts, trends, and developments and tie them into relevant topical issues. You should be able to develop copy that effectively communicates the firm's messages and expertise and that sparks interest from the firm's different external audience groups, including media and clients. Attention to detail, editing, and proofreading skills are also essential.

Team Coordination: Strong organisational and people skills are essential for stakeholder and project management duties. You should be comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels and be an excellent ambassador for the team.

Monitoring & Reporting: ability to demonstrate external communications successes to all levels within the firm is essential.

Journalism or public relations qualifications are highly preferred.

Key competencies include:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Efficient and accurate with superb organisational skills
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Curiosity and desire to learn constantly
• Enjoys a variety of tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to juggle and prioritise several projects
• A team player who fosters strong relationships with diplomacy, respect, kindness, and good humour
• Calm under pressure
• Inquisitive, creative, and confident to give advice
• Experience using media monitoring tools
• Experience with LinkedIn

Main responsibilities

Media Relations: support the firm's priority practices within its three key pillars of Advisory Services & Litigation, Real Estate, and Corporate, and the core sectors by driving daily proactive and reactive media relations. You'll also be responsible for daily media monitoring and use our tools to put together summaries, reports, and briefings.

You should be able to spot a news opportunity, engage the relevant stakeholders, and devise the best media approach. Drafting press releases, pitches (trade, legal, and business press), thought leadership pieces, and commentary is an essential part of your role. You will also develop strong relationships with journalists at key media outlets and publications.

Reputation Management: with the wider communications function, you will be responsible for managing the firm's corporate reputation. Responsibilities include publicising appointments and promotions, as well as other key milestones, such as the annual financial results, sustainability programs, and talent retention and attraction initiatives.

Campaigns: working with the wider BD team, you will support media and external communications activity in support of campaigns tied to specific initiatives and projects. This will also include support in creating of the annual Impact report.

Digital: you will assist with the firm's social media channels (primarily LinkedIn) to ensure content is fresh and relevant to the firm's audiences. You will also assist with ensuring website content is current and accurate.

Reporting: Using the firm's monitoring tools and databases, you will maintain accurate records of the firm's media opportunities and successes to create regular reports showing the progress of the firm's external communications initiatives. You will use this data to demonstrate the ROI of PR and develop best practices to make the function more effective going forwards.

Awards & Surveys: Working with wider BD, fee-earning, and finance teams to compile annual surveys and awards submissions.

Ad Hoc Projects: support on additional projects and programmes, as needed.

The firm

Shoosmiths stands as the go-to legal partner for clients seeking exceptional service, sharp insights, and a relentless dedication to what truly matters. With offices across the UK and Brussels, we stand by the world's most dynamic and ambitious enterprises, clients who drive meaningful change. We seek to support our clients with the most market leading corporate, litigation and real estate matters.

Our ethos empowers individuals to embrace their true selves, fostering collaborative teams who are dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Our values and culture pulse through every facet of our organisation.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

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.