Rankings, Awards & Media Relations Coordinator (Chicago)

Thompson Hine LLP, an AmLaw 200 firm recognized for our commitment to Innovation and Inclusion, is a firm in growth mode. With a coast-to-coast platform connecting California with a strong Midwest backbone, we have opened three offices in just 18 months; Los Angeles (July 2024), Minneapolis (March 2025), and Silicon Valley (January 2026). This expansion has created a unique opportunity: we are hiring our first-ever Rankings, Awards & Media Relations Coordinator to shape and own a recognition program from the ground up.

The Coordinator will join the Marketing & Strategy department in any of the following offices: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Minneapolis, or Washington, D.C. Reporting to and working closely with the Director of Public Relations, this role serves as the central point of contact for all recognition initiatives, including awards, surveys, league tables, and legal directory submissions such as Chambers and Legal 500, to enhance the firm’s visibility and market recognition.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented communicator who thrives on managing multiple deadlines, partnering with attorneys and business development teams, and driving measurable results.

As a member of the Marketing & Strategy team, the Coordinator helps identify, evaluate, and pursue award opportunities firmwide. The position requires a blend of strategic thinking, project management, and strong writing and communications skills.

Partnering closely with attorneys and marketing colleagues, the Coordinator drafts and submits high-impact entries, develops a calendar to meet submission deadlines, manages timelines and tracking, coordinates researcher interviews, and helps amplify results across internal and external channels to enhance Thompson Hine’s reputation.

The Coordinator will be joining a high-performing team with low turnover. We pride ourselves on longevity at the firm, and this role offers the opportunity to grow within a stable, supportive, and collaborative environment.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining website recognition items (e.g., press releases) and supporting social media promotion; assessing the viability of new surveys; and managing special projects as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages the strategy and execution for the firm’s awards, surveys, and directory submissions. Advises and collaborates with attorneys and marketing professionals on recognition and survey strategy.
• Owns the firm’s Directories & Rankings calendar and tracking, managing opportunities, deadlines, and submission status to ensure the firm is consistently well positioned in key legal and business publications.
• Researches and evaluates new and existing award, survey, and directory opportunities; assesses value and fit; and recommends participation to relevant stakeholders in support of firm and practice objectives.
• Conducts market research on the directory and awards landscape, preparing data-driven insights on results, competitive positioning, and strategic recommendations.
• Monitors and analyzes the firm’s ranking performance relative to competitors, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Designs, writes, and edits submissions, collaborating with external consultants and internal colleagues as appropriate.
• Drafts compelling matter narratives, practice group descriptions, and content highlighting firm and attorney achievements, strengths, and developments.
• Manages submissions from initial planning through release, coordinating inputs, approvals, and deadlines while maintaining a tracking system for directories, surveys, league tables, and awards.
• Builds and maintains relationships with directory editors, publication contacts, and researchers to stay informed on methodology and submission guidelines.
• Facilitates scheduling of interviews between survey researchers and firm lawyers; compiles necessary interview prep materials and coordinates prep calls as appropriate.
• Maintains the submissions database and uses it to analyze trends and inform future strategy.
• Analyzes results and trends across submissions, sharing clear updates and actionable recommendations with leadership and practice teams.
• Develops internal and external communications announcing rankings and awards, reinforcing the firm’s brand visibility.
• Ensures lawyer, practice, and firm directory profiles are accurate and up to date, leveraging directory subscription resources including competitive intelligence tools and client feedback for potential use in firm communications.
• Assists with updating marketing collateral and other firm materials to incorporate rankings and award achievements.
• Drives continuous improvement of submission workflows, tracking tools, templates, and documentation to enhance team efficiency and outcomes.
• Serves as a subject matter resource on directory methodologies, educating attorneys and colleagues on what drives ranking movement and how the firm’s positioning compares to peer firms in key practice areas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication, project management, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with sound judgment, discretion, and a proactive, results-driven approach.
• Prior experience in a large law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal directories and awards (e.g., Chambers, The Legal 500, The American Lawyer, Law360, Benchmark, Financial Times Innovative Lawyers, etc.).
• 3–5 years of relevant law firm marketing/communications experience, preferably supporting rankings, directories, and award submissions.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with strong project management capabilities and attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work extended hours as needed to meet critical deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational, research, and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism when working with attorneys, clients, media, publishers, and external vendors.
• Dependable and collaborative team player who works effectively with others while also demonstrating initiative, independent decision-making, and a proactive, results-driven mindset. Committed to delivering exceptional client service.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is required.

Compensation is determined upon the market in which the position is located, the responsibilities of the position, the experience and skills of the applicant, and other job-related factors. The estimated salary ranges for these locations are the following: Cleveland is $67,500 to $76,000, Chicago is $72,000 to $81,000 and Washington, D.C. is $77,500 to $87,250.

Thompson Hine LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that offers competitive wages, and a robust benefits package. Benefits offerings include, but are not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as Paid Time Off (PTO).