Senior Writer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Writer

🔹 Company: Ropes & Gray LLP

🔹 Location: Multiple locations (Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC)

🔹 Job Type: On-site/Hybrid

🔹 Category: Legal

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-02

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (8-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing internal and external communications to support firm's business objectives.
• Working closely with firm leadership and attorneys to create compelling content across various platforms.
• Proven speechwriting experience and ability to capture an individual's voice while incorporating key firm messages.
• Strong research, writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a focus on accuracy and persuasiveness.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence, initiative, and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop remarks and presentations for senior leadership, capturing their voice and incorporating key firm messages.

✅ Provide high-level reporting, research, writing, editing, and proofreading for internal and external communications.

✅ Proactively seek out, identify, and develop compelling, timely content for various distribution platforms.

✅ Solicit input and feedback from internal clients and stakeholders to ensure accurate and effective communications.

✅ Develop and oversee key internal communications projects involving multiple firm departments.

✅ Provide messaging and content development counsel to internal clients to ensure alignment with firm's strategic goals.

✅ Assist with multimedia production by writing video and podcast scripts, conducting interviews with subjects in advance.

✅ Anticipate needs, respond quickly to requests, and maintain strict confidentiality of the firm's internal affairs.

✅ Contribute to and thrive in the firm's unique corporate culture.

ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional travel to attend events or meetings, and working hours may vary depending on project deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) required.

Experience: 8-10 years of communications, journalism, or PR/marketing experience, with a preference for law firm or professional services experience.

Required Skills:

• Superior writing and editing skills across various platforms, with a focus on accuracy and persuasiveness.
• Proven speechwriting experience and ability to capture an individual's voice while incorporating key messages.
• Strong research, project management, organizational, and proofreading skills.
• Service-oriented approach, flexibility, proactivity, and ability to think strategically and systemically.
• Proven ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize assignments, and collaborate effectively with others.
• Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably with senior executives, attorneys, and various constituent groups.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with senior executives and large-scale business meetings.
• Familiarity with the legal industry or professional services sector.

ASSUMPTION: A successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing high-quality work under pressure.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The anticipated pay range for this role is as follows (based on location):

• Boston / Chicago / Washington, D.C./ Los Angeles: $107,100 - $163,350
• New York: $112,200 - $171,150
• San Francisco & Silicon Valley: $117,300 - $178,950

Benefits:

• Health Benefits
• Well-being Benefits
• Personal Development
• Professional Development
• Career Growth Opportunities
• Collegial Culture

Working Hours: This position requires hybrid on-site presence as an essential function of the role, with consistent and predictable on-site presence for ongoing business continuity, professional development, and effective collaboration with colleagues and management.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Legal Practice

Company Size: Large (1,001-5,000 employees)

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• Ropes & Gray is a preeminent, global law firm with a strong reputation for excellence and client service.
• The firm has been ranked in the top-three on The American Lawyer's prestigious "A-List" for eight consecutive years and listed on Law.com’s UK “A-List” for three years in a row.
• Ropes & Gray has more than 1,500 lawyers and legal professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology, and government worldwide.

Company Specialties:

• Asset Management
• Private Equity
• M&A
• Finance
• Real Estate
• Tax
• Antitrust
• Life Sciences
• Healthcare
• Intellectual Property
• Litigation & Enforcement
• Privacy & Cybersecurity
• Business Restructuring

Company Website: www.ropesgray.com

ASSUMPTION: Ropes & Gray's extensive experience and expertise in various practice areas enable it to provide comprehensive legal services to its clients.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level

Reporting Structure: The Senior Writer reports directly to the Head of Editorial within the Marketing and Business Development Department and works closely with firm leadership, attorneys, and other support team members.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid on-site presence is required, with consistent and predictable on-site presence for ongoing business continuity, professional development, and effective collaboration with colleagues and management.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within the Marketing and Business Development Department or other departments within the firm.
• Expanding skills and expertise in various aspects of communications, content development, and project management.
• Potential opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives that support the firm's business objectives.

ASSUMPTION: Ropes & Gray values internal mobility and offers opportunities for career growth and development within the firm.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, professional office environments with collaborative workspaces and access to amenities.

Office Location(s): Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC

Geographic Context:

• Boston, MA: A historic city known for its rich culture, education, and healthcare industries.
• Chicago, IL: A major commercial hub with a diverse economy and vibrant cultural scene.
• Los Angeles, CA: A global center for entertainment, media, and technology, with a diverse economy and mild climate.
• New York, NY: The financial capital of the United States, with a fast-paced, competitive business environment and a melting pot of cultures.
• San Francisco, CA: A tech hub with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and quality of life.
• Washington, DC: The capital of the United States, with a strong political and policy-making influence and a diverse economy.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The specific work environment and culture may vary depending on the office location, but Ropes & Gray maintains a consistent focus on professionalism, collaboration, and client service across all offices.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission and resume screening.
• Phone or video screening with the HR department.
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members.
• Final interview with senior leadership.
• Background check and offer extension.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills, with a focus on accuracy and persuasiveness.
• Ability to capture an individual's voice while incorporating key messages.
• Research and project management skills.
• Collaboration and communication skills.
• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Alignment with Ropes & Gray's corporate culture and values.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Ropes & Gray's business and the role of a Senior Writer in supporting its objectives.
• Showcase your ability to write persuasively and capture an individual's voice through a writing sample or portfolio piece.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and the firm.

ATS Keywords: Senior Writer, Speechwriting, Communications, Journalism, PR, Marketing, Legal, Professional Services, Content Development, Project Management, Collaboration, Persuasive Writing, Accuracy, Attention to Detail

ASSUMPTION: Ropes & Gray's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit with the firm, with a focus on finding the best match for the role and the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
• Multimedia Production Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
• Social Media Platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the firm's needs and the projects at hand, but Ropes & Gray provides the necessary resources and support to ensure its employees' success.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Client Focus
• Collaboration
• Expertise
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Inclusion
• Respect

Work Style:

• Professional and polished, with a focus on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a willingness to support and contribute to the success of colleagues and the firm.
• Adaptable and responsive to the needs of the firm and its clients.
• Proactive and initiative-driven, with a strong work ethic and commitment to producing high-quality work.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you possess strong writing and editing skills, with a focus on accuracy and persuasiveness?
• Are you able to capture an individual's voice while incorporating key messages?
• Do you have experience working with senior executives and large-scale business meetings?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you share Ropes & Gray's commitment to client service, collaboration, and professionalism?

ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit with Ropes & Gray is essential for success in this role, as the firm values a cohesive, collaborative work environment that supports its clients' needs and business objectives.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced, dynamic nature of the role may require occasional weekend or evening work to meet project deadlines.
• The need to maintain strict confidentiality of the firm's internal affairs may present challenges in certain situations.
• The hybrid on-site presence requirement may present logistical challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote work arrangement.
• The competitive nature of the legal industry may present challenges in terms of career progression and compensation.

ASSUMPTION: Ropes & Gray offers a supportive work environment and provides resources and opportunities to help employees overcome potential challenges and achieve success in their roles.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Senior Writer roles in the legal industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with a preeminent global law firm with a strong reputation for excellence and client service.
• Unlike other professional services firms, Ropes & Gray places a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, fostering a culture that values diversity and encourages employee growth and development.
• In terms of career path comparison, a Senior Writer at Ropes & Gray may have the opportunity to progress to more senior roles within the Marketing and Business Development Department or other departments within the firm, depending on their skills, experiences, and interests.

ASSUMPTION: Ropes & Gray's comprehensive benefits package, competitive salary range, and commitment to employee development make it an attractive option for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the legal industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing remarks and presentations for the firm's annual partners meeting, capturing the voices of key speakers and incorporating key firm messages.
• Writing and editing content for the firm's website, including attorney bios, practice group descriptions, and news articles, to ensure accuracy and consistency with the firm's brand and messaging.
• Creating a multimedia campaign to showcase the firm's expertise in a specific practice area, including video interviews with attorneys, podcast episodes, and social media content.

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the Senior Writer may vary depending on the firm's needs and the initiatives at hand, but Ropes & Gray offers a wide range of opportunities for candidates to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in various aspects of communications and content development.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role support the firm's business objectives, and how will my work contribute to the firm's success?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to overcome them?
• How does Ropes & Gray support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the firm's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees' well-being?
• How does Ropes & Gray foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, and what initiatives are in place to support these values?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and the firm, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and cultural fit.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Ropes & Gray careers portal.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements, with a focus on your writing and editing abilities.
• Prepare a writing sample or portfolio piece that demonstrates your ability to capture an individual's voice and write persuasively.
• Research Ropes & Gray's business and industry trends to show your understanding of the firm's objectives and the role of a Senior Writer in supporting its success.
• Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest in the role and the firm.
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department within one week of your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.