Graphic Designer, Trial Services - Senior Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer, Trial Services - Senior Associate Company: Ankura Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Visual Communications Operations / Trial Services Design Date Posted: August 11, 2025 Experience Level: 2-5 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in translating complex legal and business narratives into compelling visual narratives for trial services clients, demanding a strong command of presentation design and visual communication strategy.
• The position requires a proactive and collaborative approach, working closely with legal teams, subject matter experts, and clients to conceptualize and execute persuasive visual aids for high-stakes litigation.
• The Senior Associate will leverage advanced design software and creative problem-solving skills to enhance the clarity and impact of complex information, contributing directly to client success in legal proceedings.
• As a Senior Associate, there's an expectation of contributing to process improvements within the visual communications team and mentoring junior designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Graphic Designer," the context of "Trial Services" and "Visual Communications consulting group" within the litigation industry strongly suggests this role operates within a specialized GTM (Go-To-Market) support function, akin to Sales Operations or Marketing Operations, focused on client-facing visual strategy and execution for Ankura's consulting services. The emphasis on persuasive presentations and complex information simplification aligns with operational support for business development and client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and produce high-impact visual presentations, including illustrations, animations, charts, and graphs, tailored for litigation, trial, and deposition environments.
• Collaborate closely with legal experts, consultants, and clients to understand case strategies, complex data, and key themes, translating them into clear, persuasive visual assets.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to strict deadlines within a fast-paced client service environment.
• Provide on-site support for client meetings, depositions, and trials, adapting rapidly to evolving project needs and presenting visual materials effectively.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships through clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and a client-focused approach, ensuring satisfaction with visual deliverables.
• Contribute to the refinement of design processes and workflows within the Visual Communications team, identifying opportunities for efficiency and innovation.
• Utilize advanced features of presentation and design software to create sophisticated visual solutions that simplify complex information and enhance storytelling.
• Support business development efforts by creating visually compelling materials for proposals, pitches, and client presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and client-facing consultative work, typical of operations roles that bridge creative output with strategic business objectives, particularly in a professional services context. The "extensive travel" and "on-site engagements" point to a service delivery model that requires operational flexibility and client proximity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, Fine Arts, or a closely related field is preferred.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field is considered a significant plus, indicating advanced theoretical understanding and specialized knowledge.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant professional work experience, with a strong emphasis on client-facing roles or customer service, demonstrating an ability to manage client expectations and deliver results.
• Demonstrated experience in transforming complex data and concepts into simplified, visually compelling graphics for presentation purposes.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Proficiency in PowerPoint: Expertise in creating dynamic, engaging, and complex presentations, including master slides, animations, and interactive elements.
• Adobe Creative Suite Mastery: High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat for creating custom graphics, illustrations, image manipulation, and document management.
• Data Visualization Skills: Ability to design clear and effective charts, graphs, and infographics that accurately represent complex data sets.
• Client Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and gather client feedback effectively.
• Organizational & Time Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Detail Orientation & Creativity: A keen eye for detail, a strong sense of aesthetics, and a creative mindset to develop innovative visual solutions.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Ability to analyze client needs and challenges, offering creative design solutions that address specific communication objectives.
• Networking & Relationship Building: Capacity to build rapport and establish strong working relationships with colleagues across diverse specialties and with clients.

Preferred Skills:

• Litigation/Trial Graphic Design Experience: Direct experience in creating visual aids for legal proceedings, trials, or depositions is highly preferred, demonstrating industry-specific expertise.
• Motion Graphics/Animation Skills: Experience with animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects) for creating dynamic visual elements.
• Excel Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to work with data in Excel, potentially for creating charts and graphs or managing project-related information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on PowerPoint, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, coupled with the need to present complex information for litigation, points to a specialized operational skill set focused on client deliverables within a professional services context. The "customer service or client focused role" experience requirement further reinforces the operational support aspect of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of design projects, demonstrating proficiency in presentation design, data visualization, and graphic illustration.
• Case studies within the portfolio should highlight the process of transforming complex information into user-friendly visuals, ideally with examples from professional services or client-facing projects.
• Evidence of strong PowerPoint design capabilities, including examples of sophisticated slide layouts, animations, and effective data representation.
• Samples of work created using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, demonstrating proficiency in creating custom graphics, illustrations, and image editing.
• A clear demonstration of how design choices directly supported communication objectives or client needs in previous projects, showcasing an understanding of impact and ROI.

Process Documentation:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, candidates should be prepared to discuss their design process, including how they approach project briefs, client consultations, iterative feedback, and final delivery.
• Ability to document and articulate design workflows and best practices within a team setting will be valuable, especially for a Senior Associate role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit instruction to include a "sample of your work or a link to your online portfolio" is a critical requirement for this role, underscoring the need for candidates to demonstrate their skills and process through tangible output, a common practice in operations and creative support roles to validate practical capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Senior Associate Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Atlanta, GA, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $65,000 and $85,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for graphic design roles in major metropolitan areas, adjusted for the specialized nature of litigation support and the consulting industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.
• Retirement savings plan, such as a 401(k), with potential company matching contributions to aid long-term financial planning.
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, providing work-life balance and opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and potential support for certifications relevant to graphic design and visual communications.
• Travel expense reimbursement for client meetings and on-site engagements, ensuring that travel-related costs are covered.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or merit increases, recognizing contributions and achievements in client service and design excellence.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time engagement is expected, typically around 40 hours per week. However, the nature of trial services and client deadlines may necessitate flexibility, potentially including extended hours or weekend work during critical project phases or trial periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's qualifications, interview performance, and the final assessment of the appropriate position level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

• Ankura operates within the professional services and consulting industry, specializing in areas such as litigation support, cybersecurity, risk management, and performance improvement. The Visual Communications group specifically serves the litigation and trial services sector, requiring a deep understanding of legal processes and the nuances of persuasive communication in a legal context.

Company Size:

• Ankura is a significant player in the consulting space, indicating a mid-to-large-sized organization with a substantial employee base and a global or widespread presence. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for career advancement.

Founded:

• Ankura was founded in 2014. This relatively recent founding implies a dynamic, growth-oriented culture that values innovation, agility, and a forward-thinking approach to client challenges. The company's rapid expansion suggests a strong foundation and a clear strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The Visual Communications consulting group functions as a specialized unit within Ankura, likely comprising a dedicated team of graphic designers, visual strategists, and project managers.
• Roles within this team may report to a Practice Lead or Director of Visual Communications, with potential for Senior Associates to oversee specific project components or mentor more junior staff.
• Collaboration is key, with strong interdependencies expected between designers and other consultants (e.g., litigation support specialists, subject matter experts) to effectively translate client needs into visual solutions.

Methodology:

• The team’s methodology is centered on client-centric problem-solving, utilizing visual communication as a strategic tool to achieve client objectives in litigation and business disputes.
• Emphasis is placed on understanding complex information, identifying key messages, and developing persuasive narratives through design.
• A collaborative approach to design development, incorporating client feedback and expert input throughout the process, is standard.
• Data analysis and strategic interpretation of information are crucial to inform design decisions and ensure maximum impact.

Company Website:

• ankura.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Ankura as a consulting firm, particularly in litigation support, means the operations here are focused on client service delivery, project execution, and supporting the core consulting business. The Visual Communications team acts as a specialized operational unit providing critical support for client engagements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

• This role is positioned as a "Senior Associate" within the Visual Communications practice. In a consulting environment, this level typically signifies an individual contributor with 2-5 years of experience, possessing a solid foundation of technical skills and beginning to demonstrate leadership potential in project execution and client interaction. They are expected to work with moderate supervision and contribute to team goals.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Associate Graphic Designer will likely report to a Manager or Director within the Visual Communications practice. They will collaborate closely with other consultants, legal professionals, and subject matter experts on various client projects, requiring effective communication and coordination across different functional groups.

Operations Impact:

• The visual output of this role directly impacts the client's ability to effectively present their case, communicate complex information, and persuade key stakeholders (e.g., juries, judges, arbitrators). Therefore, the operations' impact is significant in enhancing client success, strengthening Ankura's reputation for effective visual strategy, and contributing to the firm's overall business objectives in litigation support.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of visual communication, such as advanced animation, interactive presentations, or specialized data visualization techniques relevant to legal proceedings.
• Project Leadership: Potential to take on lead designer roles on specific projects, managing timelines, client communication, and coordinating with other team members.
• Mentorship: As a Senior Associate, there's an opportunity to mentor and guide more junior designers, developing leadership and training skills.
• Career Advancement: Progression to roles such as Lead Graphic Designer, Visual Communications Manager, or even transitioning into more strategic client-facing roles within the consulting practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path emphasizes both deepening design expertise and developing leadership capabilities, aligning with typical career progression in specialized operational support functions within professional services firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

• The role will involve on-site client engagements and potentially work from Ankura offices. The work environment is likely professional, fast-paced, and client-focused. Given the "Remote and Hybrid work arrangements will be considered when not on-site with clients" statement, a hybrid model is probable for non-client-facing work.

Office Location(s):

• The primary listed location is Atlanta, Georgia. Ankura has a significant presence in major cities, suggesting potential for collaboration with colleagues in other offices, though client work may require travel to various locations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be dynamic, ranging from client sites (courtrooms, conference rooms) to office environments or remote setups. It requires adaptability and the ability to maintain productivity in different settings.
• Access to industry-standard design software and hardware is expected.
• Collaboration will occur both in person and virtually, requiring effective use of communication and project management tools.

Work Schedule:

• While a standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, the demands of litigation and client deadlines necessitate flexibility. This means being prepared to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends when required to meet critical project milestones or support live trials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and travel-intensive nature of the role means candidates must be comfortable with varied work settings and a flexible schedule, a common characteristic of client-facing operational roles in consulting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a practical design exercise or a review of the submitted portfolio to evaluate design skills, software proficiency, and problem-solving abilities.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, project management skills, client interaction experience, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Conversations with other designers or consultants to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and team fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a practice leader or senior management to discuss career aspirations, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the Senior Associate level.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in presentation design, data visualization, and transforming complex information.
• Highlight Process: For each project, briefly explain the client's challenge, your design approach, the tools used, your specific contributions, and the outcome or impact of your design.
• Tailor to Litigation: If possible, include examples that show experience with legal presentations, data simplification, or persuasive visual storytelling.
• Showcase Software Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your command of PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a digital PDF or an online portfolio link.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve taking a piece of complex information (e.g., data, a legal concept) and creating a visual representation for a presentation.
• Practice articulating your design choices, explaining the rationale behind them, and demonstrating how your design effectively communicates the intended message.
• Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you handle feedback, and your approach to meeting tight deadlines in a client-service context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potentially a design challenge is standard for creative and operations roles where practical skill demonstration is crucial. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to deliver impactful visual solutions under pressure.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft PowerPoint: Essential for creating sophisticated client presentations, including advanced animations, transitions, and data integration.
• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for creating custom graphics, illustrations, logos, and complex vector-based artwork.
• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, manipulation, retouching, and creating raster-based graphics.
• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Necessary for managing, editing, and optimizing PDF documents, including interactive elements and form creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how data is presented and interpreted is key. Proficiency in Excel for data manipulation to create charts and graphs is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a direct tool for the designer, understanding how client information is managed within CRM systems and how projects are tracked through workflow automation tools is advantageous for seamless collaboration within the firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is heavily focused on design software. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable and forms the foundation of the role's operational capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations, delivering high-quality visual solutions that contribute to their success.
• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in design and constantly seeking new and creative ways to communicate complex information effectively.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across different disciplines, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a supportive team environment.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all interactions and deliverables, reflecting positively on Ankura's reputation.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Flexibility in responding to changing client needs, project demands, and tight deadlines, maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented attitude.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with consultants, legal experts, and clients. This involves active listening, clear communication, constructive feedback exchange, and a shared commitment to achieving client objectives. A proactive approach to teamwork and problem-solving is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a client-centric, high-performance culture common in professional services, where operational excellence directly supports client outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Legal Concepts: The primary challenge is to distill intricate legal arguments, financial data, and technical information into clear, understandable, and persuasive visuals for diverse audiences, including those without specialized knowledge.
• Managing Tight Deadlines: The litigation environment often involves rapidly changing information and critical deadlines, requiring designers to be highly efficient and adaptable under pressure.
• Extensive Travel Requirements: The need for extensive travel for client meetings and on-site engagements, including trials, demands significant flexibility and a willingness to work away from a fixed location.
• Balancing Creativity and Client Needs: Striking the right balance between creative design expression and the specific strategic communication goals and brand guidelines of clients and Ankura.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to training and resources to enhance skills in emerging design technologies, animation, interactive media, and data visualization techniques relevant to legal and business consulting.
• Industry Knowledge: Opportunities to learn about the litigation process, legal terminology, and business consulting methodologies, deepening understanding of client needs.
• Client Interaction Experience: Gaining valuable experience in direct client communication, presentation delivery, and stakeholder management in high-stakes environments.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by experienced designers and consultants, fostering professional growth and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the specialized nature of the role, requiring both technical design proficiency and the ability to operate effectively within a demanding professional services context. Growth opportunities are tied to skill enhancement and practical experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Client Scenario: "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex piece of information for a presentation. What was the information, how did you approach the design, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and impact).
• Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with subject matter experts or clients who may have different ideas about a design? How do you handle feedback?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and client-management skills).
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a scenario where a key piece of data for a trial presentation is ambiguous. How would you approach designing a visual to represent it clearly and accurately, while managing potential client concerns?" (Showcase your analytical and creative problem-solving).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Ankura and our Visual Communications practice, particularly within the litigation support space?" (Research Ankura's recent work and its reputation in litigation).
• "How do you envision your role contributing to a fast-paced, client-focused consulting environment?" (Connect your skills and work style to the demands of the role).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you apply them to your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a challenge, your solution, and the result. Emphasize the 'why' behind your design choices.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any metrics or positive feedback received that demonstrates the effectiveness of your visuals (e.g., improved clarity, client satisfaction).
• Showcase Process: Be ready to walk through your design process for a specific project, explaining your thought process from brief to final delivery.
• Highlight Key Software: Explicitly mention the tools you used for each portfolio piece, especially PowerPoint, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also the operational capabilities of clear communication, client management, problem-solving, and adaptability crucial for a consulting support role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ankura Workday portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your online portfolio or PDF to prominently feature 3-5 of your most relevant projects, emphasizing presentation design, data visualization, and complex information simplification, ideally with examples that reflect professional services or legal contexts.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Graphic Design," "PowerPoint," "Illustrator," "Photoshop," "Presentation Design," "Data Visualization," "Client-Facing," and "Litigation Support" (if applicable). Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed 50+ presentations for high-profile clients").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and client collaboration strategies. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver impactful visual solutions. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Ankura's services, particularly its Visual Communications and Trial Services practices. Understand their approach to client challenges and the importance of visual persuasion in the legal industry.

⚠️ 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.