Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: McGuireWoods LLP Location: Richmond, VA; Charlotte, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL Job Type: Full-Time Category: Marketing Operations / Creative Services Date Posted: October 11, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for producing high-quality print and digital graphics that support McGuireWoods' business development, marketing, public relations, project-specific, and internal communication initiatives, directly impacting the firm's external perception and internal engagement.
• The Graphic Designer will be responsible for maintaining and advancing the firm's brand identity across all visual communications, ensuring a consistent and professional brand presence.
• This position requires close collaboration with the marketing communications team and other departments to translate strategic objectives into compelling visual assets.
• The role involves managing a diverse range of design projects from concept to completion, requiring strong organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Graphic Designer," the context of supporting "business development, marketing, public relations, project-specific, and internal communication initiatives" within a law firm strongly suggests a role with significant overlap into Marketing Operations and Creative Services. The emphasis on brand identity, consistency, and collaboration with marketing teams positions this as more than just a standalone design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and produce a comprehensive array of marketing collateral, including advertisements, brochures, invitations, newsletters, charts, maps, web graphics, and email campaigns.
• Implement and uphold firm brand standards and visual consistency across all design outputs, ensuring brand integrity.
• Prepare final artwork for both print and digital production, meticulously managing pre-press requirements and ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Proactively collaborate with the Design Manager to identify and address short-term and long-term design needs for the firm.
• Conduct thorough proofreading and review of all creative assets to guarantee accuracy, brand alignment, and error-free delivery.
• Partner effectively with the marketing communications team and various departmental colleagues to support and execute firm-wide branding and design strategies.
• Assist in the production and deployment of electronic communications, working in conjunction with the marketing technology team to ensure seamless integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer experienced in corporate branding and marketing collateral, particularly within a professional services context. The inclusion of "electronic communications" and partnership with a "marketing technology team" suggests potential exposure to digital marketing operations or marketing automation platforms, implying a need for understanding digital asset creation for various channels.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 3–5 years of professional graphic design or desktop publishing experience, with a strong emphasis on layout and design principles, preferably within a corporate or professional services environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and AfterEffects.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically PowerPoint and Word, for presentation and document design.
• Demonstrated experience in creating a wide range of print and digital assets, from concept to final production.
• Strong portfolio showcasing creative execution, versatility, and a keen eye for detail across various design projects.
• Excellent understanding and application of brand identity principles and visual consistency.
• Ability to meticulously proofread and ensure accuracy in all creative outputs.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships with colleagues across different departments.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of HTML and WordPress for web design and content management.
• Experience with copywriting or strong editorial skills for refining text content within designs.
• Familiarity with electronic communication production workflows and marketing technology tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for advanced AfterEffects suggests a need for motion graphics capabilities, which is a valuable asset for digital marketing and internal communications. The preference for HTML and WordPress, coupled with copywriting, indicates that candidates with a blend of design and basic web/content skills will be highly regarded, aligning with broader marketing operations needs for digital asset creation and deployment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating proficiency in both print and digital design, with a clear emphasis on layout, typography, and visual hierarchy.
• Include examples of materials created for business development, marketing campaigns, or public relations efforts, highlighting how design supported specific objectives.
• Present case studies for at least one project that illustrates a complex design challenge and the process undertaken to develop an effective visual solution.
• Detail the role played in the production and pre-press/digital deployment phases, demonstrating an understanding of output requirements.
• Demonstrate ability to maintain brand consistency across multiple collateral pieces within a single project or campaign.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate an understanding of the design workflow from brief to final delivery, including client/stakeholder communication and feedback incorporation.
• Provide examples of how design processes were adapted to meet urgent deadlines or evolving project requirements.
• Showcase experience in preparing and organizing design files for efficient handover to print vendors or digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role supporting a law firm, the portfolio should ideally showcase experience with professional services marketing materials, such as event invitations, white papers, case studies, or pitch decks. Demonstrating an ability to translate complex information into clear, visually appealing graphics is key. The emphasis on "brand standards" implies a need to show how the candidate has successfully applied and adapted established brand guidelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Graphic Designers with 3-5 years of experience in major US metropolitan areas (Richmond, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Chicago), a competitive salary range is estimated between $60,000 - $85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the specific skill set required, including advanced Adobe Creative Suite proficiency and experience in a professional services environment, as well as the cost of living in these diverse locations.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Remote Option: Offers flexibility by allowing employees to work remotely for a portion of the week, promoting a better work-life balance.
• Work-Life Balance: The firm emphasizes a culture that supports a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education support.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid remote option is available, specific in-office days may be required for collaboration and team meetings, negotiated with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a conservative estimate for a mid-level graphic designer in these specific markets. A candidate with strong WordPress/HTML skills or copywriting experience might command a salary at the higher end of this range. The benefits listed are standard for a large professional services firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Legal Services (Law Firm) Company Size: Large (McGuireWoods LLP is a global firm with over 1,000 employees). This size indicates a structured environment with established processes and a significant client base. For operations and creative roles, this often means working within defined brand guidelines and collaborating with specialized teams. Founded: 1834. The long history of McGuireWoods signifies stability, a deep-rooted culture, and a commitment to long-term client relationships. This longevity suggests a professional and established operational framework.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Design Manager, indicating a clear hierarchy within the creative team.
• The role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with the broader marketing communications team, business development, public relations, and potentially practice groups or administrative departments.
• The creative team is part of a larger marketing department, which likely operates with defined processes for project intake, workflow management, and stakeholder approvals.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not a data analyst role, the designer will need to interpret briefs and understand marketing objectives to create visually effective materials. This may involve analyzing the success of previous campaigns through provided metrics.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The role requires efficient project management, including file preparation for output and managing multiple design tasks to meet deadlines.
• Automation & Efficiency: Assisting with electronic communications implies an understanding of efficient content deployment, potentially involving templates or marketing automation tools.

Company Website: https://www.mcguirewoods.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large law firm means adhering to strict professional standards and potentially conservative branding. The culture is likely to be highly professional, client-focused, and detail-oriented. The "hybrid remote option" suggests a modern approach to work-life balance within this traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is an individual contributor position focused on executing design tasks and contributing to creative projects. It sits between junior designer and senior/lead designer roles. Reporting Structure: Reports to the Design Manager, who likely oversees the entire design function within the marketing department. This provides a clear path for mentorship and feedback. Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly influences the firm's brand perception, client engagement, and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality visuals are crucial for business development efforts, proposals, and maintaining a reputable image in the competitive legal market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific Adobe Creative Suite applications, particularly motion graphics (AfterEffects), and potentially gain experience with digital marketing platforms (WordPress, HTML).
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like presentation design, digital advertising, or event collateral, becoming a subject matter expert within the firm.
• Leadership Potential: With proven performance and expanded responsibilities, there may be opportunities to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, mentor junior designers, or take on project leadership for larger initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For career growth, candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to not just create visually appealing designs but also to understand the strategic purpose behind them and how they contribute to business objectives. Highlighting any experience in streamlining design processes or improving workflow efficiency will be beneficial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: McGuireWoods LLP operates as a traditional, professional law firm. The office environment will be corporate and professional, with a focus on client service and team collaboration. Office Location(s): The position is available in their Richmond, VA; Charlotte, NC; Pittsburgh, PA; Washington, DC; and Chicago, IL offices. Candidates will be based in one of these primary locations. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant interaction with colleagues within the marketing department and across various firm departments. Expect a collaborative atmosphere where ideas are shared and feedback is integral to the design process.
• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a full suite of design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and standard office productivity tools (Microsoft Office) is expected. Collaboration platforms for project management and communication will likely be in use.
• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project discussions, and brainstorming sessions will be part of the daily routine, fostering a connected and supportive work environment.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, typically involving 2-3 days in the office per week. Specific days will be coordinated with the Design Manager to ensure optimal team collaboration and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared for a professional office setting that values punctuality, appropriate attire, and a focused work ethic. The hybrid model offers a balance, but understanding the firm's commitment to in-person collaboration for design reviews and team synergy is important.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on resume and portfolio for relevant experience and skills.
• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager (Design Manager) to assess technical skills, design approach, and cultural fit. Expect discussion about portfolio pieces.
• Second Interview: May involve meeting with other members of the marketing team or key stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style and understanding of professional services marketing.
• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Potentially a design challenge or a more in-depth portfolio review where candidates present their work and explain their process, problem-solving, and rationale.
• Final Interview: May involve senior marketing leadership or HR for final evaluation and offer extension.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those showcasing print and digital collateral for professional services or corporate clients.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the ideation process, design choices, challenges faced, and the final outcome. Use visuals to illustrate key stages.
• Highlight Brand Application: Demonstrate how you applied and maintained brand guidelines, especially for a firm like McGuireWoods.
• Quantify Impact (If Possible): If a design contributed to a measurable outcome (e.g., increased event attendance, improved ad performance), present that data.
• Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite. If you have HTML/WordPress examples, include them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Briefs: Be ready for a task that might involve designing a presentation slide, an email banner, or a social media graphic based on a provided brief.
• Focus on Speed and Quality: Understand that the firm operates on deadlines; aim for a well-executed concept within the allotted time.
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design decisions, color choices, typography, and layout structure, linking them back to the brief and brand requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "brand standards" and "professional services environment" means interviewers will be looking for a designer who understands how to create polished, sophisticated visuals that align with corporate objectives, not just aesthetically pleasing designs. Demonstrating an understanding of the legal industry's communication needs will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Advanced proficiency required in InDesign (layout and print production), Photoshop (image editing and digital assets), and Illustrator (vector graphics and logos). AfterEffects for motion graphics is also a key component.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Advanced proficiency in PowerPoint (presentation design) and Word (document formatting).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how design impacts engagement metrics (e.g., click-through rates for email campaigns, viewership for web graphics) is beneficial. Familiarity with web analytics tools (like Google Analytics) or marketing automation platform reporting (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• WordPress & HTML: Preferred knowledge for web content creation and integration, indicating potential interaction with content management systems and basic web development principles.
• Marketing Automation Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or similar for email campaign design and deployment would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of AfterEffects suggests the firm is looking to enhance its digital presence with dynamic content, such as animated logos, explainer videos, or engaging social media graphics. Candidates proficient in this area will stand out. The preference for HTML and WordPress indicates a need for a designer who can contribute to website updates and digital content creation beyond static images.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Excellence: Upholding the high standards expected of a leading law firm in all creative outputs and client interactions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues across marketing and other departments to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated campaigns.
• Detail-Oriented Approach: Meticulous attention to detail in design execution, proofreading, and file preparation to ensure accuracy and brand consistency.
• Client-Centricity: Understanding that all design work ultimately serves the firm's clients and business objectives, requiring a focus on clarity, impact, and professionalism.
• Adaptability & Efficiency: Ability to manage a diverse workload, adapt to changing priorities, and produce high-quality work efficiently within deadlines.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with the marketing communications team, business development, and various practice groups to understand their needs and translate them into effective visual solutions.
• Process Review & Feedback: Participating in design critiques, incorporating feedback constructively, and contributing to a culture of continuous improvement in design processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share design insights, best practices, and new techniques with the team to elevate the overall creative output of the department.

📝 Enhancement Note: The firm's culture, being a large law firm, will likely emphasize reliability, discretion, and a strong work ethic. Demonstrating an understanding of these values and how they translate into design practices will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various departments and individuals, each with potentially different priorities and creative visions.
• Maintaining Brand Consistency Across Diverse Materials: Ensuring a unified brand voice and visual identity across a wide range of print and digital collateral, from formal legal documents to marketing ads.
• Adapting to Evolving Design Trends within a Traditional Industry: Staying current with design best practices and technologies while respecting the established brand and professional norms of a law firm.
• Managing Tight Deadlines: The fast-paced nature of legal marketing often requires quick turnarounds on critical materials, demanding efficient workflow and prioritization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AfterEffects, motion graphics, or explore new design tools and platforms.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the specific design and communication needs of the legal sector through hands-on project experience.
• Mentorship: Learning from experienced design managers and marketing professionals within a large, established firm.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Developing a broader understanding of marketing strategy, business development, and public relations through close work with these teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should view challenges as opportunities to showcase problem-solving skills and adaptability. Highlighting any experience in managing competing priorities or streamlining design processes will be beneficial.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing design requests from different stakeholders. How did you prioritize and manage expectations?" (Focus on prioritization, communication, and process.)
• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a wide range of collateral, especially when working with established brand guidelines?" (Highlight understanding of brand systems, attention to detail, and systematic approach.)
• "Walk us through a complex design project from your portfolio. What was the objective, your process, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study emphasizing problem-solving and strategic thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for a law firm like McGuireWoods, specifically in a design capacity?" (Research the firm's recent work, values, and market position. Connect your skills to their needs.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design teams, such as marketing or legal professionals?" (Emphasize clear communication, understanding client needs, and being receptive to feedback.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and incorporate them while maintaining brand integrity?" (Discuss continuous learning, experimentation, and the balance between innovation and brand adherence.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the problem, your solution (design), and the results.
• Tell a Story: Engage the interviewer by narrating your design journey, highlighting your thought process and problem-solving skills.
• Focus on Relevance: Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of this role – emphasize print/digital collateral, brand consistency, and professional services context.
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about your software proficiency, file preparation, and any web/HTML experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Microsoft PowerPoint in detail, as presentation design is a key responsibility. Showing an understanding of how design supports business objectives in a professional services context will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the McGuireWoods LLP careers portal at https://staffcareers-mcguirewoods.icims.com/jobs/6568/graphic-designer/job.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features examples of print and digital collateral relevant to corporate communications, marketing campaigns, or professional services. Highlight projects demonstrating strong layout, typography, and brand adherence.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, AfterEffects), Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word), and any preferred skills like HTML or WordPress. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X materials for Y campaign, resulting in Z").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key portfolio pieces. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with the needs of a large law firm and prepare answers to common interview questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and staying current with design trends.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with McGuireWoods LLP's practice areas, recent news, and overall brand aesthetic. Understanding the firm's business and client base will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.