Senior Public Relations Manager – Media Relations, Litigation - (Hybrid Schedule

US Job Description

Firm Information

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters.

Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities.

Position Summary

The Senior Public Relations Manager – Media Relations, Litigation works closely with the Global Director of Marketing & Communications to develop and implement a strategic media and public relations plan for the firm’s global Litigation and Trial practices. Based in the U.S. but with an international remit, the role is strategically focused yet hands-on, supporting firm leadership on messaging, reputation management, and media outreach.

The role will oversee media relations for key practice and industry groups and may expand to include team management responsibilities in the future. This role aligns with Reed Smith’s strategic positioning as a litigation powerhouse. The firm emphasizes its commitment to delivering practical litigation solutions and exceptional client service across global markets.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Global Director of Marketing & Communications, lead and implement the firm's U.S. and global PR strategies and media relations activities for Litigation and Trial practices, including press releases, media outreach, award submissions, and campaigns.

Advise practice group leadership on communications strategy, messaging and media outreach for key initiatives and high-profile matters.

Collaborate with litigation partners, practice chairs, regional leads and business development colleagues to source newsworthy matters and media opportunities to enhance visibility in key global markets.

Cultivate and maintain media relationships with top-tier legal, business, and industry reporters; manage external PR agencies to deliver consistent results, including proactive media placements and high-impact profiling.

Support brand and reputation growth through strategic media placements and by aligning with firm-wide business development goals.

Coordinate with the Social Media Manager to amplify media wins and firm visibility across digital platforms.

Serve as the internal media relations point person for the Litigation and Trial practices and other designated practice groups.

Implement streamlined PR processes to ensure communications are timely, coordinated and aligned with corporate and regional strategies.

Develop performance metrics to measure and report on PR outcomes annually and year-over-year.

Execute specific media relations projects and crisis communications strategies as directed by the Global Director.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

Education : Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism or a related field.

Experience : Minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations and / or media relations, preferably within a law firm. Strong background in litigation communications, PR campaigns, media outreach, and thought leadership promotion preferred.

Skills : Superior project management and communication skills, established media contacts, the ability to operate effectively in a high-pressure, client-service environment, and familiarity with social media platforms and PR-related technologies.

Other

Supervisory Responsibilities : This role currently has no direct reports but may include team management responsibilities in the future.

Equipment To Be Used : Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential Job Functions :

Ability to use independent judgment and discretion and adapt to changing work situations.

Ability to utilize technology, including computers and telecommunication devices.

Ability to read and interpret written documents, computer screens and other visual displays accurately.

Ability to hear and understand verbal communication for effective collaboration.

Ability to travel for meetings and training as needed.

Must work in office as required.

Working Conditions : You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay Ranges :

This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

Pittsburgh / Miami / Atlanta / Houston / Dallas : $130,000 - $150,000

Chicago / Philadelphia : $140,000 - $160,000

Princeton / Washington DC : $150,000 - $170,000

New York / Los Angeles : $155,000 - $175,000

Employee Benefits Overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes :

401(k) Retirement Plan

Medical Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Virtual Health Services

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Accident Insurance

Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability Coverage

Long-Term Disability Coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)

College Savings Plan

Transportation Benefit

Back-up Child Care Services

College Coach Program

Pet Insurance

Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)

Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.