ROLE OVERVIEW //
Operating within Slaughter and May’s wider Commercial team, we are seeking an External Communications Manager to assist with planning and executing the firm’s media relations and communication strategy in the UK. We require the ideal candidate to have PR and communications experience, preferably at a law firm, agency or with a journalist background. We are looking for someone who is passionate about media relations, is relationship driven, curious, proactive, self-motivated and highly comfortable working with and counselling firm partners and senior-level staff.
You will be part of a wider Commercial team function, which is a high performing environment serving multiple stakeholders. You will need to work collaboratively with many teams throughout the business, helping shape and execute Slaughter and May’s media strategy, while protecting and enhancing the firm’s reputation across UK and international markets. You will lead proactive campaigns, manage sensitive issues, and ensure consistent, high‑quality engagement with priority journalists and outlets.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES //
The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm.
* Proactive, sector-based media relations: Working closely with the Business Development teams and lawyers, you will devise PR plans that build profile from the bottom up and increase share of voice on issues relevant to our client base. You will leverage thought leadership as source material for interviews and placed articles, building strong relationships with key media contacts.
* Reactive press office activity: Handle day-to-day inbound media queries from national, business and trade journalists on diverse topics. Ensure careful, timely and sensitive handling of issues that protect and advances the firm’s brand.
* Provide editorial judgement and media counsel to partners and senior leadership; prepare messaging and Q&As for media interviews.
* Act as a key and effective point of contact for the media. Build and maintain relationships with tier‑one national, business and legal media; cultivate story pipelines and pitch compelling narratives.
* Draft and edit press releases, statements, op‑eds/by‑lines, briefing notes and spokesperson bios to house style.
* Prepare and coach spokespeople for interviews; coordinate logistics, background briefings and follow‑up.
* Support reactive media handling on live matters; run rapid‑response processes, escalation and approvals; scenario‑plan for emerging risks.
* Oversee the online press office/newsroom and social amplification of earned coverage; manage embargoes and distribution lists.
* Own media monitoring, sentiment analysis and KPI reporting; produce clear dashboards for leadership.
* Handle the majority of incoming press queries, escalating to the Head of Communications where senior support is required.
* Create and implement a sector-based media relations strategy, with regular delivery of significant business press coverage.
* Own end-to-end management of regular transaction and case announcements.
* Support the proactive news agenda.
* Monitor existing and planned firm content to secure media coverage.
* Manage the awards process.
CANDIDATE PROFILE //
Candidates for this position must have:
Experience and skills
* Media relations experience in complex, multi‑stakeholder settings, preferably in legal PR either at a law firm, agency or as a journalist.
* Proven track record of securing high‑quality coverage and managing sensitive issues; confident on‑record and background handling.
* Excellent news sense; confident pitching; strong stakeholder management;
* Established network across UK national/business/legal media (or a credible plan to build one); fluency with legal sector themes and the UK news agenda.
* Familiar with media databases/monitoring platforms; comfortable with newsroom‑style workflows and content management.
* Outstanding communication skills, writing and editing skills; able to translate complex legal/commercial topics into clear, newsworthy copy.
* Strong stakeholder management across a matrixed environment; comfortable advising senior leaders and coordinating multi‑team efforts.
* Fluency with media monitoring/analytics tools and evaluation frameworks; data‑led approach to planning and reporting.
* Ability to write compelling, audience-appropriate copy for external stakeholders.
* Track record of delivering high-quality press coverage and communications projects as well as media relations campaigns.
* Strong network of national business media contacts and understanding of how journalists operate.
* Analytical thinker with a good technical bias; strong project management experience.
* Awareness of digital marketing trends; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Proactive in defining needs and delivering solutions; highly organised with strong attention to detail.
* Proven ability to manage multiple deliverables within tight timeframes and deliver high-quality work.
Personal attributes
* Calm under pressure; sound judgement on sensitive matters.
* Excellent ability to persuade and influence at senior level.
* Collaborative team player with a curious, improvement-oriented mindset.
* ‘Can-do’ attitude with passion for making things happen.
* Ability to translate a firm’s brand and values into effective external communications.
* Builds relationships quickly to gain trust and work collaboratively across the firm.
We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.