Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer Company: Seward & Kissel LLP Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: Full-time Regular Category: Marketing & Creative Operations Date Posted: November 03, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping Seward & Kissel LLP's visual identity across both print and digital platforms, requiring a strong operational understanding of brand consistency and stakeholder satisfaction.
• The Graphic Designer will manage the end-to-end production of marketing collateral, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to brand guidelines in a dynamic professional services environment.
• Key focus areas include the creation of promotional materials, website content, and internal communications, demanding meticulous attention to detail and creative problem-solving.
• This position is integral to maintaining a high level of customer service for both internal teams and external clients, directly impacting the firm's professional image.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description, while for a Graphic Designer, contains responsibilities (e.g., "customer satisfaction," "fast-paced, professional work environment," "client newsletter production and distribution process") that align with operational excellence often found in GTM or Marketing Operations roles. The emphasis on brand standards, vendor coordination, and managing distribution processes suggests a need for operational rigor beyond pure creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and meticulously produce a wide range of written and electronic communications, strictly adhering to Seward & Kissel LLP's established branding standards to ensure a cohesive and professional visual identity.
• Develop and create non-branded written and electronic materials as required for specific internal or external projects, demonstrating adaptability and creative range.
• Maintain, update, and manage the firm's image database, ensuring all visual assets are organized, accessible, and correctly cataloged for efficient retrieval.
• Coordinate the end-to-end production of print materials, including managing press files and liaising directly with external vendors to ensure quality, timely delivery, and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee and manage the firm's client newsletter production and distribution process, from content integration to final delivery, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure unwavering consistency in visual messaging across all firm communications, upholding and reinforcing the firm's overall image and identity.
• Actively participate in strategic discussions regarding visual communication needs, providing creative and innovative solutions that align with business objectives and enhance brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed, particularly "Coordinate production of print materials and press files with vendors" and "Manage firm's client newsletter production and distribution process," highlight operational aspects of the role. These tasks require project management, vendor relations, and process execution skills, common in operations-focused positions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art Design, Graphic Design, Marketing, or a closely related discipline. This foundational education is expected to provide a strong understanding of design principles, visual communication theory, and creative methodologies.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional commercial design experience is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience within a corporate environment, particularly in professional services or a law firm setting, demonstrating an understanding of industry-specific communication needs and professional standards.

Required Skills:

• Adobe Creative Cloud Proficiency: Expert-level command of Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premier Pro, and Dreamweaver is essential for creating high-quality, diverse visual assets.
• Canva Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to utilize Canva for rapid design creation and collaboration, especially for internal or less complex external communications.
• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is crucial for integrating designs into business documents, presentations, and managing project-related information.
• Branding Standards Adherence: Proven ability to consistently apply and maintain corporate branding guidelines across all design outputs.
• Print Production Coordination: Experience in managing the print production process, including vendor communication and file preparation for commercial printing.
• Customer Service Orientation: A strong commitment to providing excellent service to both internal stakeholders and external clients, ensuring satisfaction with design deliverables.
• Detail Orientation & Organization: Impeccable attention to detail and superior organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and vendor communications effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Web Content Design: Experience designing for web platforms, including understanding of UI/UX principles and digital asset optimization.
• Image Database Management: Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn and manage digital asset management (DAM) systems or image databases.
• Newsletter Production & Distribution: Specific experience managing the lifecycle of client newsletters, from design and content integration to distribution logistics.
• Video Editing/Motion Graphics: Basic proficiency in Premier Pro suggests potential for handling simple video editing or motion graphic elements for presentations or digital content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific software proficiency (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, Microsoft Office) and experience within a professional services or law firm context are key indicators of the expected technical and industry-specific operational capabilities. The requirement for customer service and organization points to the operational rigor expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of Brand Consistency: The portfolio must showcase examples of designs that strictly adhere to established branding guidelines, illustrating an understanding of maintaining a unified corporate identity.
• End-to-End Project Examples: Include case studies or project examples that detail the entire design process, from initial brief and concept development through to final production and delivery, highlighting problem-solving and execution.
• Cross-Platform Design: Showcase a range of work across both print (brochures, signage, ads) and digital (web content, newsletters, presentations) mediums, demonstrating versatility and adaptability to different output requirements.
• Vendor Coordination Examples: If possible, include projects where coordination with print vendors or other external production partners was a key element, demonstrating project management and supplier liaison skills.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Highlight projects completed within tight deadlines or under pressure, demonstrating an ability to deliver quality work efficiently, a crucial aspect of operations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss your personal design workflow, including how you manage project intake, concept development, revisions, and final output. Examples of process improvements you've implemented in previous roles are highly valued.
• System Implementation & Usage: Demonstrate familiarity with using design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office) as part of a structured workflow. Discuss how you ensure consistency and quality through system usage.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: While primarily a creative role, be ready to discuss how you measure the "success" of your designs, perhaps through stakeholder feedback, adherence to brief, or successful asset deployment in campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Graphic Designer role with operational undertones, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis here is on demonstrating not just creative skill but also the ability to manage processes, work with vendors, adhere to standards, and deliver efficiently – all hallmarks of operational competence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• $100,000 - $110,000 USD per year. This range reflects the experience level (5+ years), the specific skill set required (proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.), and the location in New York City, a high cost-of-living area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Likely includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.
• Retirement Savings Plan: Typically includes a 401(k) plan, potentially with a company match to aid long-term financial security.
• Paid Time Off: Generous allocation of paid vacation days, sick leave, and holidays to ensure work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and potentially covering costs for relevant certifications or workshops to enhance design and operational skills.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Coverage options to provide financial protection for employees and their families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• The role is designated as Full-time Regular, typically implying a standard 40-hour work week. Due to the demanding nature of professional services and client deadlines, occasional overtime may be expected, particularly during peak periods or critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced Graphic Designers in a major metropolitan area like New York City. The benefits listed are standard for a reputable law firm like Seward & Kissel LLP, aiming to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Legal Services (Law Firm). Seward & Kissel LLP operates within the highly professional and regulated legal industry, characterized by a strong emphasis on precision, client confidentiality, and adherence to established protocols. This context means design work must be sophisticated, professional, and aligned with the firm's reputation.

Company Size:

• While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Seward & Kissel LLP is a well-established law firm with multiple offices, suggesting a medium to large organization. This size typically means structured departments, established processes, and a professional hierarchy, which influences how operational roles, like graphic design, integrate and function.

Founded:

• Seward & Kissel LLP was founded in 1951. This long history indicates a stable, established organization with deep roots and a wealth of experience, implying a culture that values tradition, expertise, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Integration: The Graphic Designer likely sits within a Marketing or Communications department, which itself functions as an operational support unit for the firm's legal practices. This department collaborates closely with attorneys and administrative staff.
• Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Marketing Director, Communications Manager, or a similar leadership role within the department. This structure ensures alignment with broader marketing and firm-wide strategies.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role demands extensive collaboration with various practice groups, attorneys, and administrative teams to understand their design needs, gather content, and ensure brand compliance across all client-facing and internal materials.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Creativity: While creative, design decisions will likely be informed by firm objectives, client feedback, and potentially competitive analysis within the legal marketing space.
• Process-Driven Execution: Emphasis on structured workflows for project management, design execution, revisions, and vendor coordination to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Brand Governance: Strict adherence to established brand guidelines and protocols is paramount, ensuring consistency and professional integrity across all visual communications.

Company Website:

• https://www.sewkis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Seward & Kissel LLP as a long-standing, reputable law firm is critical. The operational context emphasizes professionalism, strict adherence to standards, and a high level of service, which will shape the expectations for the Graphic Designer's role and output.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This Graphic Designer role is positioned as an experienced individual contributor. It requires a strong foundation in design principles and software, coupled with professional experience (5+ years) in a corporate or professional services setting. The role involves managing design projects from conception to completion, coordinating with external vendors, and ensuring brand consistency, indicating a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond entry-level positions.

Reporting Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to a manager within the Marketing or Communications department, such as a Marketing Director or Creative Director. This hierarchical structure ensures alignment with departmental goals and firm-wide marketing strategies. Collaboration will be extensive with attorneys, practice groups, and administrative staff, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to navigate different stakeholder needs.

Operations Impact:

• The Graphic Designer's work directly impacts Seward & Kissel LLP's brand perception, client engagement, and internal communication effectiveness. High-quality, consistent visual materials enhance the firm’s professional image, support marketing initiatives, and contribute to the overall client experience. Efficient production processes for collateral and newsletters streamline internal operations and external outreach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, motion graphics, or perhaps specialize in design for complex legal marketing campaigns.
• Leadership Potential: With proven success and expanded responsibilities, there may be opportunities to move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading smaller projects or mentoring junior designers.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Opportunities to learn more about marketing strategy, content management, and project management within the legal sector, potentially leading to roles in broader marketing or communications management.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development opportunities to stay current with design trends, software updates, and best practices in corporate communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an experienced Graphic Designer in a corporate setting often involves deepening technical skills, taking on more complex projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized roles within the marketing/communications function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role is based in Seward & Kissel LLP's New York office, suggesting a professional, corporate office environment typical of a law firm. This environment prioritizes a structured, collaborative, and client-focused atmosphere.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is New York, New York. This implies working within a major metropolitan hub, offering accessibility via public transportation and proximity to other professional services and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The designer will work within a team setting, requiring interaction with marketing colleagues, attorneys, and administrative staff. This necessitates strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively gather requirements and present design concepts.
• Operations Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva) and office productivity tools (Microsoft Office). Access to high-performance computers and potentially specialized hardware for design tasks is expected.
• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, project discussions, and informal check-ins will be part of the daily routine, fostering a collaborative workflow and knowledge sharing among design and marketing professionals.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is likely Monday through Friday, adhering to typical business hours. However, given the demands of a law firm and client-facing work, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, potentially involving occasional evening or weekend work during critical periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: A corporate law firm environment in New York City suggests a highly professional, organized, and potentially fast-paced setting where efficiency, collaboration, and adherence to standards are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative capabilities against job requirements.
• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Focus on your background, design philosophy, technical skills, and understanding of branding. Expect questions about your experience in corporate or legal environments.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise, either timed in-office or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and adherence to brand guidelines. This is a critical step for assessing operational efficiency and creative output.
• Second Interview (Department Head/Senior Stakeholders): Deeper dive into your experience, strategic thinking, collaboration style, and how you manage projects and stakeholders. Discussion may include how you handle feedback and manage multiple priorities.
• Final Interview (HR/Partners): Final evaluation focusing on cultural fit, career aspirations, and overall suitability for the firm.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills, particularly those showing brand consistency, print/digital versatility, and professional corporate work.
• Showcase Process & Rationale: For each project, briefly explain the brief, your creative process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome. Highlight how you ensured brand adherence and met client needs.
• Highlight Operations: If possible, include examples where you managed vendor relations, met tight deadlines, or streamlined a design process. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "delivered X projects ahead of schedule").
• Tailor to Law Firm Context: Emphasize projects that demonstrate an understanding of professional services, corporate branding, and sophisticated visual communication.
• Digital Presentation: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and loads quickly. A PDF version may also be requested.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Seward & Kissel LLP's current branding, website, and marketing materials. Identify their visual style, tone, and key messages.
• Practice Timed Design: If a timed challenge is expected, practice designing under pressure, focusing on speed, efficiency, and delivering a polished concept within the allotted time.
• Refine Your Workflow: Be ready to articulate your design process clearly and concisely, explaining how you approach a new project from brief to final files.
• Prepare to Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain the strategic reasoning behind your design choices, demonstrating how they align with branding and project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a corporate design role will heavily weigh the portfolio and practical skills assessment. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creativity but also operational competence in project management, adherence to brand standards, and efficient execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Cloud:
  • InDesign: Essential for layout design of brochures, newsletters, invitations, and print collateral. Expect proficiency in pre-press setup and print-ready file generation.
  • Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and creation of web graphics and digital assets.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, icons, and complex illustrations.
  • Premier Pro: Useful for basic video editing or creating motion graphics for presentations and digital content.
  • Dreamweaver: May be used for basic web page design or editing HTML/CSS for web content integration.
• Canva: Required for quick design tasks, internal communications, and potentially collaborative design efforts.
• Microsoft Office Suite:
  • PowerPoint: Key for designing and integrating graphics into presentations for attorneys and firm-wide use.
  • Word: For incorporating design elements into documents, proposals, and reports.
  • Excel: May be used for tracking project assets, vendor details, or basic data visualization.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, understanding how design assets perform in digital channels (e.g., web analytics for web content) may be beneficial. Awareness of general reporting metrics related to marketing collateral usage could be a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM or automation tool proficiency is explicitly listed as required for the designer, but familiarity with how design assets are used within marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven communications could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on industry-standard design software, with a clear expectation of mastery in Adobe Creative Cloud. Proficiency in Canva and Microsoft Office highlights the need for versatility across different use cases and collaboration platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Professionalism & Excellence: A core value in a law firm, expecting high standards in all work, from creative output to client interactions and internal processes.
• Client Focus: Every role contributes to client satisfaction and the firm's reputation. Design work must align with client needs and perceptions.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Success relies on effective partnership with attorneys, marketing colleagues, and administrative staff to achieve shared goals.
• Integrity & Trust: Upholding ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality are paramount in the legal industry.
• Efficiency & Timeliness: Delivering quality work within deadlines is critical for operational effectiveness, especially in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Responsive & Proactive: The team likely operates with a responsive approach to requests, coupled with proactive suggestions and creative input.
• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive feedback and iterative design processes is essential for meeting stakeholder expectations.
• Process-Aware: While creative, collaboration adheres to established firm processes for project intake, approvals, and asset management to ensure smooth operations.
• Cross-Disciplinary Communication: The ability to communicate design concepts and technical requirements clearly to non-designers (attorneys, administrators) is vital.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values of a law firm like Seward & Kissel LLP emphasize professionalism, precision, and client service. The Graphic Designer is expected to embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Strict Branding: Consistently producing innovative designs while strictly adhering to the firm's established, formal branding guidelines can be a creative challenge.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Juggling design requests from various practice groups and individual attorneys, each with potentially different aesthetic preferences and project requirements, demands strong prioritization and communication skills.
• Meeting Tight Deadlines in a Fast-Paced Environment: The demanding nature of legal practice often means urgent design requests and tight turnaround times, requiring efficient workflow management and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Adapting to Evolving Digital Platforms: Staying current with the latest design trends and best practices for digital media (web, social, email) while ensuring they align with the firm's traditional brand image.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud or explore new design software and tools relevant to digital and interactive media.
• Legal Marketing Industry Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of marketing strategies and communication needs specific to the legal profession.
• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing multiple design projects, coordinating with vendors, and working within project timelines.
• Specialized Design Areas: Potential to focus on specific design niches such as motion graphics, data visualization for legal reports, or advanced web design integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role stem from the intersection of creative demands and the operational rigor of a professional services firm. Growth opportunities focus on both design specialization and broadening operational/marketing acumen.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a new brochure or marketing collateral from brief to final delivery, emphasizing how you ensure brand consistency and meet deadlines." (Focus on workflow, brand adherence, and efficiency).
• "How do you handle conflicting feedback or design revisions from multiple stakeholders with different opinions?" (Assess collaboration, communication, and problem-solving).
• "Tell me about a time you had to design something under a very tight deadline. How did you manage the process and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate performance under pressure and operational management).
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and integrate them into a corporate branding framework, particularly within a formal industry like law?" (Gauge creativity, adaptability, and understanding of brand governance).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Seward & Kissel LLP and our client base? How would your design approach reflect our firm's values and professional standing?" (Demonstrate research and cultural alignment).
• "Describe your ideal working relationship with attorneys and administrative staff. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration?" (Assess interpersonal skills and teamwork).
• "How do you measure the success of your design work? What metrics are important to you?" (Focus on impact, stakeholder satisfaction, and operational effectiveness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling with Data: For each selected portfolio piece, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, and the results. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.
• Highlight Operational Aspects: Emphasize projects where you managed vendor coordination, met strict timelines, or successfully navigated complex stakeholder requirements. Quantify achievements if possible.
• Demonstrate Brand Stewardship: Showcase how you interpreted and applied brand guidelines, ensuring consistency and professionalism across different mediums.
• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for interactive discussion about your work. Be open to questions and ready to elaborate on your creative and operational decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative talent and operational capabilities, emphasizing the ability to work within a structured, professional environment like a law firm.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP WorkNow link. Ensure your resume is tailored to highlight your 5+ years of professional design experience, proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Microsoft Office, and any relevant experience in corporate or professional services environments.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., personal website, PDF) that prominently features 5-7 of your strongest projects. Prioritize examples demonstrating brand consistency, print and digital versatility, and experience within corporate or professional services settings. Be ready to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes for each.
• Resume Optimization: Strategically incorporate keywords from the job description such as "Graphic Design," "Adobe Creative Cloud," "Branding," "Print Production," "Customer Service," and "Microsoft Office" to ensure your resume passes ATS screening and clearly communicates your qualifications.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Seward & Kissel LLP's website, practice areas, recent news, and overall brand identity. Understand their professional tone and client base to tailor your application and interview responses.
• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your portfolio pieces, and answering behavioral questions related to collaboration, deadline management, and handling feedback. Prepare to discuss how your skills align with the firm's operational needs and professional culture.

⚠️ 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.

---