Graphic Designer, Trial Services - Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Trial Services - Associate

Company: Ankura

Location: Atlanta, GA; New York, NY; Maryland, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Legal / Consulting / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-10

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the creation of persuasive visual content for the litigation industry, leveraging graphic design and visual communication skills.

• Responsibilities include transforming complex concepts into simplified graphics and developing strategic presentations for high-stakes business issues and legal proceedings.

• The position requires extensive travel for client meetings and on-site engagements, including trials, demanding adaptability and a client-focused approach.

• Opportunity for career growth is emphasized through dedicated mentoring and on-the-ground training within a collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Ankura's Visual Communications consulting group, specifically supporting their Trial Services division. The "Associate" title, coupled with the 1+ year experience requirement and emphasis on training, indicates an entry-level to early-career professional focus. The core function is translating intricate legal and business concepts into compelling visual narratives for courtroom and boardroom presentations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with colleagues across various specialties to conceptualize and design effective visual solutions for complex legal and business challenges.

• Work directly with clients and legal experts to ideate, develop, and execute compelling presentations, detailed illustrations, dynamic animations, clear charts, and informative graphs.

• Transform complex data and abstract concepts into easily understandable and visually persuasive graphics for litigation and critical business discussions.

• Travel extensively within the United States to support client meetings, on-site engagements, and crucial trial proceedings, requiring flexibility and readiness for extended periods away.

• Contribute to a collaborative team environment, actively participating in problem-solving sessions and sharing creative insights to enhance overall project outcomes and client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "extensive travel" for "client meetings and on-site engagements, such as trials" highlights a significant aspect of this role. It suggests that candidates must be prepared for a demanding travel schedule and comfortable working in high-pressure, client-facing environments, including courtrooms. The responsibility to "work directly with clients and experts" underscores the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills beyond just design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1+ years of relevant work experience in a customer service or client-focused role is required.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint for creating sophisticated and impactful presentations.

• Demonstrated advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator for vector graphics and illustration creation.

• Strong command of Adobe Photoshop for image manipulation and digital art.

• Expertise in Adobe Acrobat for document management and PDF creation/editing.

• Competency in Microsoft Excel for data handling and potential chart generation.

• Excellent visual, written, and verbal communication skills, essential for client interaction and conveying design concepts.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.

• Flexibility to handle diverse tasks, adapt to changing project needs, and work effectively under tight deadlines.

• Self-directed, creative, and dedicated work ethic with a strong commitment to producing high-quality output.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for creating dynamic visual elements.

• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques for presenting complex information.

• Previous experience in the legal industry or supporting litigation efforts.

• Experience working in a consulting or professional services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "1+ years of relevant work experience in a customer service or client focused role" is an interesting qualification for a graphic designer. This suggests that beyond technical design skills, Ankura highly values candidates who can effectively interact with clients, understand their needs, and manage those relationships. Proficiency in PowerPoint is specifically highlighted as "highly experienced," indicating it's a core tool for trial presentations. The preference for a Master's in Medical Illustration points towards the need for highly specialized and accurate visual representations, particularly for complex anatomical or procedural concepts that might arise in certain types of litigation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, with a strong emphasis on presentation design, complex data visualization, and illustrative work.

• Case studies demonstrating the ability to translate complex concepts (particularly technical or legal) into clear, persuasive visual narratives.

• Examples of work created under tight deadlines, highlighting organizational skills and ability to deliver under pressure.

• Visuals that showcase attention to detail, aesthetic quality, and strategic thinking in design execution.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of a structured design process, from initial concept and client brief interpretation to final delivery and revision cycles.

• Examples of how design solutions were developed to meet specific client objectives or solve particular communication challenges within a project.

• Demonstrated understanding of workflow management and project organization, especially when handling multiple concurrent assignments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job posting explicitly requests candidates to "include a sample of your work or a link to your online portfolio." This is a critical requirement for evaluating design talent. The "Associate" level and "Trial Services" focus suggest the portfolio should emphasize strategic visual communication for persuasive purposes, not just aesthetic appeal. Projects demonstrating the ability to simplify complex information, especially in a professional or technical context, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated range of $50,000 to $120,000 USD per year.

• This range is specific to markets like California, Colorado, and New York and considers various factors including skill sets, experience, and business needs.

Benefits:

• Ankura offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(k), are typically provided.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, is standard.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement are key components of their employee value proposition.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Ability to work periodic weekend hours on a rotational basis is required.

• Flexibility is necessary to accommodate tight deadlines and client demands, which may include extended hours or working during weekends when project needs arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $50,000 to $120,000 USD is explicitly stated to be for specific markets (California, Colorado, New York) and serves as a broad estimate. For locations outside these areas, the actual salary may differ based on local market rates and cost of living. The requirement to "work periodic weekend hours on a rotational basis" indicates a need for flexibility beyond a standard 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule, which is common in client-facing roles with project-driven deadlines.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Consulting / Professional Services, with a strong focus on Litigation Support and Dispute Resolution. Ankura operates across various sectors, providing data analytics, cybersecurity, corporate turnarounds, and advisory services.

Company Size: Ankura is a large global consulting firm with a significant employee base, indicating a robust organizational structure and a wide array of resources and expertise.

Founded: Ankura was founded in 2014, positioning it as a relatively modern firm that has rapidly grown and established a strong presence in the consulting landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Communications group is part of Ankura's broader consulting practice, likely functioning as a specialized internal service provider.

• Designers will collaborate with consultants, legal experts, and project managers from various Ankura practice areas.

• The reporting structure for this Associate role will likely involve a direct manager within the Visual Communications team, with potential oversight from project leads.

Methodology:

• Ankura emphasizes a data-driven, innovative, and client-centric approach to problem-solving.

• In Visual Communications, this translates to using design as a strategic tool to clarify complex issues, persuade stakeholders, and achieve client objectives.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially given the travel requirements and tight deadlines inherent in litigation support.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed to streamline the design process where possible.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ankura's background as a large, global consulting firm implies a professional, fast-paced, and results-oriented work environment. The emphasis on "innovation and growth" suggests a culture that values continuous improvement and forward-thinking solutions. For a graphic designer, this means being part of a dynamic team that supports high-stakes client matters, requiring adaptability and a commitment to excellence. The "Visual Communications consulting group" indicates that design is viewed as a strategic consulting service, not just an execution function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Associate" role represents an entry-level to early-career position within the graphic design and visual communications field, specifically tailored for the consulting and litigation support industry. It's designed for individuals with foundational design skills and a minimum of 1-2 years of client-facing experience, aiming to develop them into specialized visual communication consultants.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Graphic Designer will likely report to a Manager or Senior Graphic Designer within the Visual Communications practice. They will also work under the direction of project managers and collaborate closely with trial consultants and legal experts on specific client engagements.

Operations Impact: The graphic designer's work directly impacts the success of client engagements by enhancing the clarity, persuasiveness, and impact of critical communications in legal proceedings and business decisions. Effective visual presentations can sway jury opinions, clarify complex arguments for judges, and support strategic business strategies, thereby contributing significantly to Ankura's client outcomes and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as courtroom visualization, animation for legal cases, or advanced data visualization techniques.

• Leadership Development: Progression to Senior Graphic Designer, Lead Designer, or even management roles within the Visual Communications practice as experience and capabilities grow.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to diverse consulting practices (e.g., forensic accounting, cybersecurity, risk management) can broaden understanding and application of visual communication across different domains.

• Mentorship and Training: Structured programs and on-the-ground training are explicitly mentioned, providing a clear path for skill acquisition and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate" title combined with the explicit mention of "mentoring and on the ground training" indicates a clear development path. This isn't just a task execution role; it's an opportunity for early-career professionals to learn specialized skills in visual communications for high-stakes litigation, a niche but critical area within consulting. The potential for growth into senior or leadership roles within this specialized practice is a significant draw for ambitious candidates.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is categorized as Hybrid. While specific office details are not provided, it implies a mix of remote work and in-office presence. The extensive travel component means that the "office" will often be client sites, courtrooms, or temporary workspaces during engagements.

Office Location(s): The role is open to multiple locations: Atlanta, GA; New York, NY; and Maryland. Candidates should be prepared to work from a designated Ankura office in one of these regions, with the understanding that significant time will be spent traveling.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is dynamic and often fast-paced, characterized by client-driven deadlines and the urgency of litigation support.

• Collaboration is key, with designers frequently interacting with consultants, legal teams, and clients, often in high-pressure situations.

• Access to necessary design software and technology will be provided, but adaptability to different working environments (including on-site at client locations) is crucial.

• Opportunities for close collaboration with experienced professionals will be frequent, fostering a learning-rich atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is full-time (approximately 40 hours), but the role requires flexibility. Candidates must be prepared to work periodic weekend hours on a rotational basis and potentially extended hours to meet project demands and client needs, especially during critical trial phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid" designation is qualified by the "extensive travel" requirement. This means that while there might be office-based or remote work components, the primary mode of operation for this specific role will involve significant on-site client engagements. Candidates should be comfortable with a mobile work style and adapting to various professional settings, including potentially challenging environments like courtrooms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, relevant experience, and alignment with role requirements.

• Technical Assessment: A potential design exercise or case study to evaluate practical skills in PowerPoint, Illustrator, Photoshop, and the ability to translate complex information visually.

• Behavioral Interviews: Discussions focused on client interaction, collaboration, problem-solving, adaptability, and handling pressure, likely with members of the Visual Communications team and trial consultants.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process, strategic choices, and the impact of their work on project objectives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and long-term potential within Ankura.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Litigation Relevance: Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of persuasive visual communication in professional or technical contexts. If possible, include examples related to legal, business, or complex data scenarios.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for key projects. Explain how you interpreted client needs, brainstormed concepts, iterated on designs, and arrived at the final solution.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, explain the outcome or impact of your design work. For example, how did your visuals help clarify a complex point or enhance a presentation's effectiveness?

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly exhibits strong skills in PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Include examples that highlight advanced techniques in these programs.

• Emphasize Client Interaction: If you have examples of direct client collaboration, highlight them. Explain how you managed client feedback and incorporated it into your designs effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• PowerPoint Mastery: Be prepared for tasks that require advanced PowerPoint skills, including custom template creation, complex animations, and data-driven slide design.

• Visual Storytelling: Practice translating abstract or data-heavy information into clear, compelling visual narratives. Think about how to structure a presentation flow logically and impactfully.

• Adaptability Scenarios: Consider how you would respond to urgent requests, changing project scopes, or challenging client feedback within a tight deadline.

• Industry Research: Familiarize yourself with Ankura's work, particularly their trial services and visual communications capabilities, to understand their approach and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit instruction to "include a sample of your work or a link to your online portfolio" is paramount. This indicates that the portfolio is not just a supplementary document but a core component of the application review. Candidates should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight skills relevant to trial services and complex visual communication, demonstrating not only design talent but also strategic thinking and client service capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential and highlighted as a core requirement ("Highly experienced"). Candidates must demonstrate mastery in creating sophisticated, dynamic, and visually compelling presentations.

• Adobe Illustrator: Critical for creating custom graphics, illustrations, logos, and vector-based assets.

• Adobe Photoshop: Necessary for image editing, manipulation, digital painting, and creating raster graphics.

• Adobe Acrobat: Required for managing, editing, and preparing PDF documents, essential for final delivery and client review.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Excel: Required for data manipulation, organization, and potentially creating basic charts or preparing data for visualization tools. Proficiency in handling datasets and organizing information is key.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) or internal Ankura systems for task tracking and collaboration would be beneficial for managing multiple projects and client engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The toolkit is heavily weighted towards industry-standard Adobe Creative Suite applications and Microsoft Office, with a specific emphasis on PowerPoint's advanced capabilities for presentation design. This indicates that the role is focused on execution within these established tools rather than requiring expertise in newer, specialized visualization platforms. Proficiency in these core tools is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence and Innovation: Ankura values a commitment to high standards and innovative solutions, pushing boundaries to deliver exceptional client outcomes.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The firm fosters a collaborative environment where diverse expertise is leveraged to solve complex problems, emphasizing shared success.

• Integrity and Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining a professional demeanor in all client interactions and internal dealings is paramount.

• Client Focus: A deep understanding of client needs and a dedication to delivering value and exceeding expectations are core tenets.

• Agility and Adaptability: The ability to navigate complex challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and respond effectively to client demands is highly valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with consultants, legal experts, and project managers, integrating their visual expertise into broader client strategies.

• Proactive Communication: A style that encourages open dialogue, clear articulation of design rationale, and timely feedback exchange is essential for managing client expectations and project progress.

• Solution-Oriented Approach: The team likely approaches challenges with a focus on finding effective solutions, where design is a critical component of the overall problem-solving process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "innovation and growth" combined with the "client-focused" nature of consulting suggests a culture that rewards proactive individuals who can contribute to client success through their specialized skills. For a graphic designer, this means being more than just an executor; it involves understanding the client's strategic objectives and using design to actively contribute to achieving them.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Stakes Environment: Working on complex litigation matters means dealing with significant pressure, tight deadlines, and the need for absolute accuracy and persuasiveness in visual output.

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge lies in simplifying highly technical, legal, or abstract concepts into clear, digestible, and impactful visuals for diverse audiences.

• Extensive Travel Demands: Frequent and potentially extended travel can be demanding, requiring adaptability to different environments and sustained productivity while on the road.

• Client Management: Effectively managing client expectations, incorporating feedback (which can sometimes be conflicting), and delivering designs that meet strategic objectives requires strong communication and diplomacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Litigation Graphics: Deepen expertise in visual strategies specifically tailored for courtroom presentations, expert testimony, and legal arguments.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to master advanced features in PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Photoshop, as well as potentially explore animation or 3D modeling for complex visualizations.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop a stronger understanding of business strategy, legal processes, and client management through close collaboration with experienced consultants and legal professionals.

• Mentorship Program: Benefit from structured mentorship from senior designers and consultants, guiding career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a unique challenge of operating at the intersection of creative design and high-stakes legal strategy. Candidates must be prepared for the intensity of litigation support, where design is not just about aesthetics but directly influences case outcomes. The growth opportunities are significant for those who can master this specialized niche and leverage it for career advancement within Ankura's broader consulting framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex technical or legal concept into a visual representation. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tool usage, and clarity of outcome).

• "How do you approach creating a persuasive presentation for a critical audience, such as a jury or executive board?" (Highlight strategic thinking, audience analysis, and visual storytelling).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you believe are Ankura's core strengths in legal consulting, and how do you see visual communications contributing to those strengths?" (Showcase company research and understanding of the role's strategic importance).

• "This role requires extensive travel. How do you manage your personal and professional life while frequently on the road for client engagements?" (Assess adaptability, resilience, and commitment to travel requirements).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the client's objective, your role, the challenges, your design process (ideation, execution, tools used), and the final impact or outcome.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: Frame your designs as solutions to client problems or communication challenges, rather than just aesthetically pleasing pieces.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly discuss specific techniques or features you utilized in PowerPoint, Illustrator, or Photoshop to achieve desired effects.

• Highlight Client Interaction: If applicable, discuss how you managed client feedback, incorporated revisions, and ensured client satisfaction throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design portfolio but also articulate the strategic thinking behind their work. The interview will likely probe their ability to function in a client-facing, high-pressure consulting environment, emphasizing communication, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Ankura's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio to prominently feature your strongest work in presentation design, illustration, and data visualization, with a particular emphasis on projects that demonstrate the ability to simplify complex information. Ensure it is easily accessible and clearly showcases your proficiency in PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience in client-facing roles, graphic design, and any exposure to professional services or litigation support. Use keywords such as "presentation design," "visual communication," "litigation graphics," "PowerPoint," "Illustrator," and "Photoshop." Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed presentations for X high-profile cases").

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, and explaining how your visuals contributed to project success. Prepare answers for behavioral questions related to client interaction, teamwork, handling pressure, and adaptability. Research Ankura's Visual Communications group and trial services.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ankura's broader consulting services, their values, and their approach to client challenges. Understand the importance of visual persuasion in the legal and business consulting context.

⚠️ 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.