Associate Director of External Communications – Litigation

Cooley LLP

Associate Director leading Cooley’s litigation communications, media relations and reputation strategy. Managing communications teams and positioning lawyers across business, technology and legal developments.

Posted 8/20/2026full-timeNew York City • California, Illinois, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $200,000 - $240,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and crisis management, with a strong ability to lead teams and develop impactful messaging. Proficient in digital marketing and content creation, with a focus on building relationships and enhancing organizational reputation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic LeadershipCrisis CommunicationsMedia RelationsTeam ManagementDigital Marketing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications StrategyPress Release WritingMedia PitchingContent CreationCrisis ManagementPerformance ManagementReporting DevelopmentPolicy DevelopmentMedia TrainingInterview Preparation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsNegotiationMotivational LeadershipAttention to DetailExcellent Communication

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteIManageSocial Media PlatformsContent Promotion ToolsMedia Monitoring Tools

Industry Keywords

Public RelationsB2B CommunicationsLegal CommunicationsProfessional ServicesFinancial Markets

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and manage a team of in-house and agency communications professionals
Build and maintain relationships with influential media
Develop communications strategies with the Department Chair and litigation practice leadership
Support business priorities, strengthen Cooley’s position in key markets and highlight the firm’s distinctive capabilities
Oversee the department’s awards and recognitions program, including prioritization, processes and key submissions
Write and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, statements and other firm communications
Develop and maintain reporting, policies, protocols and resources for an effective external communications function
Identify and shape compelling stories around the department, clients and lawyers
Lead proactive external communications campaigns through earned media, social media, thought leadership and content promotion
Serve as spokesperson and primary media contact
Advise firm leaders and lawyers on media strategy, reputation management and sensitive or high-profile matters
Provide crisis communications counsel, media training and interview preparation
Develop messaging, media strategies, anticipated questions and responses, and other communications materials
Mentor direct reports
Supervise direct reports and monitor compliance with work hours and firm and department policies
Support professional development and continuing education opportunities
Participate in hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, termination and other employee lifecycle events in collaboration with the supervisor and HR
Perform other duties as assigned or required

Requirements

What you’ll need

After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
Ability to travel, as required
Minimum 8 years’ direct experience in communications or public relations with B2B clients and at a management level
4+ years’ management experience; some at the senior level preferred
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Business or related field
Experience providing strategic leadership, influencing key decisions, and guiding team direction
Experience leading people and teams, including hiring, employee development, work assignment, performance management, coaching and corrective counseling
Strong working knowledge of and contacts within national print, broadcast and online media
Strong understanding of financial markets, business concepts and related subject matter
Experience with crisis and issues management communications
Understanding of digital marketing, social media strategies and content creation best practices
Strong executive presence and ability to build credibility and trust with partners
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional writing skills and strong attention to detail
Ability to lead others in developing and executing initiatives and large-scale projects
Ability to motivate others and build effective and cooperative work teams
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate challenging situations and grasp internal politics
Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment and think quickly
Ability to consistently meet deadlines and multitask
Ability to develop professional relationships internally and externally
Ability to simplify complex legal and business information into clear, accessible communication
Experience working in a law firm, professional services, PR agency, government service or political environment preferred
10+ years of applicable experience strongly preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Health savings account (with applicable medical plan)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Life insurance
AD&D coverage
Long-term care coverage
Backup care for children and/or adults
Other parental support benefits
Firm-paid life insurance
Firm-paid AD&D
Long-term disability (LTD)
Short-term medical benefits
25 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) each year
10 paid holidays each year
Generous parental leave
Fertility benefits
Competitive compensation
Elective benefit options