Leading the branding, communications and marketing efforts for an AmLaw100 firm.

Global head of communications for AmLaw 100 firm with duties that include media relations, public relations, events, content marketing, general communications, submissions and alumni relations Oversee a team of 22 individuals, including worldwide communications and public relations team. Weekly trips to largest domestic offices and quarterly travel to European offices to meet with partners for strategic communications and public relations planning. MEDIA RELATIONS: First point of contact for the press. Serve as firm spokesperson, including during crisis events such as layoffs or lawsuits against the firm. Coordinate interviews and meetings with reporters and lawyers. Routinely meet and interact with members of the press to establish and maintain key working relationships. Position Dechert lawyers as “legal experts” for use by media, particularly regarding newsworthy or “hot topics.” Actively generate and seek story ideas and pitch to local and national legal, general business and trade press. Investigate story angles to improve newsworthiness of routine firm developments. Involved in the strategic planning for firm media/public relations efforts, including planning for lateral hires and office openings. Write press releases, pitch letters and other publicity copy. Advise on the firm’s social media policy and maintain its presence on Twitter, LinkedIn and Wikipedia.COMMUNICATIONS: Responsible for design and content of all firm-wide collateral, including advertising, brochures, legal updates, invitations and lawyer publications. Provides final signoff for all collateral. Monitor editorial calendars of relevant publications and communicate writing opportunities to lawyers on an ongoing basis, including bylined article placements. Assist in the placement of guest articles for all firm attorneys. Oversee writing and editing of content and photo selection for firm’s pending website.

Oversaw media relations, public relations, public affairs, marketing, promotions and advertising for the oldest metropolitan bar association in the country. Instituted redesign of all brochures and advertisements to brand the Association consistently. Secured speakers, including nationally-known celebrities, for various functions. Obtained event sponsorships. Supervised the event planning staff and public relations department. Placed spokespeople, primarily chancellor and Association officers, on various public affairs shows and other media outlets. Supported the staff of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Association, in publicizing events and fund-raising activities.

Served as association spokesperson, which required multiple electronic media appearances. Directed media relations, public relations, internal communications, marketing, promotions and advertising for Association in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware. Primary duties involved placing spokespeople, including doctors, survivors and key volunteers, in print, radio, television and alternative media outlets. Established strategic alliances, including media sponsorships. Recruited members of the media for participation in programs. Responsibilities included brand management, media tracking, budgets and staff. Supported all fund-raising, health initiative, cultural initiatives and advocacy initiatives.

In charge of firm public relations, media relations and advertising. Responsible for placing industry-related articles. Designed and placed advertisements, managed advertising budget. Designed a corporate internal newsletter, responsible for the content, editing and design of that newsletter on a monthly basis. Responsible for editing corporate proposals, publications and various other print materials. Designed and edited newsletter for large city transit authority. Duties included general research and Power Point presentations. Managed marketing materials on the company’s intranet site. Represented the firm at various industry functions.

Wrote a variety of sports columns, features and news stories. Responsible for the development of story ideas and research of stories on a wide variety of topics. Decision-making responsibilities for editorial content for regular columns. Averaged more than 300 articles per year. Helped coordinate the suburban coverage, including placement of articles in various community sections, and assisted in making photo assignments. Organized guest speakers for the annual banquet for South Jersey athletes