Senior PR Manager (Europe)

Senior PR Manager (Europe) Cooley (UK) LLP is recruiting a Senior PR Manager (Europe) to join the Communications team.

Position Summary

Working closely with the Director of Communications, local office leadership, partners and colleagues across the firm, the Senior PR Manager will lead Cooley’s public relations efforts to help strengthen the firm’s profile in the UK and European markets. The individual will have the opportunity to shape and build a coordinated communications program aligned with the growth objectives and positioning of the wider firm. The Senior PR Manager will identify and develop compelling stories that demonstrate Cooley’s distinctive role in Europe advising on cutting-edge transactions, disputes and market developments, particularly across technology, life sciences, emerging companies and venture capital.

The role will focus on media relations, deal and matter promotion, reputation management, thought leadership and support for awards and recognitions. It will work closely with Cooley’s London-based PR agency and with communications, marketing and business development colleagues globally to ensure an integrated, one-firm approach.

Strong media judgment, established relationships, excellent writing skills and the ability to earn the confidence of senior partners will be essential to success.

Position Responsibilities

Media Relations and Profile Building

Develop and execute a strategic PR program that raises the profile of Cooley’s London and Brussels offices and supports the firm’s wider business and reputation objectives.

Build and maintain strong relationships with influential UK legal, business, technology, life sciences and financial media.

Serve as a trusted PR adviser to office leadership, partners and practice groups across the business and litigation departments.

Identify, shape and promote stories that reinforce Cooley’s market position, including significant transactions, disputes, client successes, firm developments and emerging market themes.

Position Cooley lawyers as authoritative voices on the issues shaping the innovation economy, including through media commentary, interviews, op-eds, market perspectives and responses to industry news and developments.

Manage incoming media inquiries, recommend appropriate responses and coordinate interviews, statements and background briefings.

Provide strategic counsel on sensitive, high-profile and reputation-related matters.

Prepare lawyers for media engagement through interview coaching, briefing materials, anticipated questions and key messages.

Content and Campaign Development

Develop integrated communications campaigns that combine earned media, thought leadership, social media, marketing collateral and original content.

Work with partners and internal teams to identify distinctive content opportunities that help Cooley stand out in a competitive market.

Write and edit press releases, pitches, statements, talking points, media briefings, op-eds and other external communications materials.

Support the development and promotion of client alerts, market commentary and other timely content tied to key legal, business and industry developments.

Maintain high editorial standards and ensure that external communications are clear, accurate, compelling and consistent with Cooley’s voice and positioning.

Deal and Matter Promotion

Establish efficient processes for identifying and promoting significant London-led and cross-border deals, cases and other client matters.

Partner with lawyers, practice-group marketing professionals and business development colleagues to determine which matters best support Cooley’s broader story and market positioning.

Develop tailored promotion strategies that reflect the significance of each matter and the needs and sensitivities of the clients involved.

Coordinate approvals and execution across lawyers, clients, internal stakeholders and external agency partners.

Collaboration and Program Management

Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for Cooley’s London-based PR agency, setting priorities, sharing information and ensuring strong execution and measurable results.

Collaborate closely with the global communications team to align European activity with firmwide campaigns, messaging and media strategy.

Partner with marketing, business development and practice-group teams to uncover themes, coordinate activity and maximise the value of firm content and market insights.

Support priority awards and recognitions efforts for the London and Brussels offices, including identifying opportunities, advising on strategy and contributing to key submissions.

Track activity and results, evaluate program effectiveness and provide regular updates to local and communications leadership.

Develop and maintain relevant processes, protocols, media lists and other resources to support an effective PR function.

Manage multiple priorities and stakeholders, often under tight deadlines, while exercising sound judgement and discretion.

Team Leadership

Where applicable, the Senior PR Manager will:

Supervise, coach and mentor direct reports.

Set priorities and provide day-to-day oversight of work, performance and professional development.

Support continuing education and career development opportunities.

Partner with the Director of Communications and Human Resources on recruitment, performance management and other employee lifecycle matters.

Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Skills and Experience

Required

At least 5 years of relevant public relations or external communications experience, ideally gained within a law firm, professional services organisation, PR agency or similarly complex environment.

Demonstrated experience developing and executing successful media relations and reputation-building programs.

Strong relationships with UK legal, business and industry media, with the ability to develop new relationships over time.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong editorial eye and the ability to translate complex legal and business issues into clear, compelling stories.

Experience advising senior professionals and building credibility with demanding, high-performing stakeholders.

Strong news judgement and a clear understanding of the UK media landscape.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and approvals in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

Strong project management, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and take ownership of projects from strategy through execution.

Ability to work extended hours and travel as required.

Following orientation, proficiency in Microsoft Office, iManage and other firm applications and marketing systems.

Preferred

Experience in a law firm or professional services PR agency environment.

Experience supporting technology, life sciences, emerging companies, venture capital, transactional or litigation practices.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, business or a related field.

Supervisory or team leadership experience.

Competencies

Credibility and confidence in advising partners and senior leaders on communications strategy and execution.

Strong media instincts and the ability to identify stories with relevance beyond the legal market.

Commercial awareness and an understanding of how communications can support business development and reputation objectives.

Excellent judgment, discretion and composure when handling sensitive or rapidly developing matters.

A proactive, collaborative and solutions-oriented approach.

The ability to influence and build consensus across teams, offices and levels of seniority.

Strong analytical and research skills.

Flexibility in working with different personalities, priorities and communication