Craigslist Post: Findlaw Want A Blog Writer

Thomson Reuters is the leading source of intelligent information for the world’s businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization.

At Thomson Reuters, we believe what we do matters. We are passionate about our work, inspired by the impact it has on our business and our customers. As a team, we believe in winning as one — collaborating to reach shared goals, and developing through challenging and meaningful experiences. With over 50,000 employees in more than 100 countries, we work flexibly across boundaries and realize innovations that help shape industries around the world. Bring your ambition to make a difference. We’ll bring a world of opportunities. More information about Thomson Reuters and its financial performance can be found on http://www.thomsonreuters.com/

FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters, is the world’s leading provider of online legal information and Internet marketing solutions for law firms. FindLaw has grown significantly since its establishment in 1995, now employing more than 1,000 talented people with global operations in the United States, India and the United Kingdom.

FindLaw’s effective and innovative Internet marketing solutions include award-winning websites, custom video, online attorney profiles, social media solutions, search engine marketing and online advertising to help attorneys grow their business by connecting them with people who need their expertise. FindLaw also owns and operates FindLaw.com, the number one destination for consumers with legal needs with more than eight million visits each month and home to the largest online legal directory of lawyers. As a trusted source, consumers turn to FindLaw.com to learn about a legal topic, solve a legal problem or find a lawyer.

FindLaw fosters a dynamic and customer-centric work culture that thrives on innovation and collaboration. With a distinct focus on attracting and retaining the best talent, the business strives to create an environment that encourages ongoing career development and learning opportunities for employees. As a result, FindLaw boasts the industry’s largest team of online experts, from content editors, Web designers, writers, engineers, SEO strategists to a national network of sales consultants who are committed to delivering excellence for its customers.

We are looking for a writer to develop blog posts and related content in the areas of legal professional-facing legal news, information, and analysis. This position will be based on our Sunnyvale, CA office, with the possibility of telecommuting for a portion of the workweek. This is a full-time contract position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop legal professionals blog posts reporting on news and related legal information of interest to legal professional audiences, in collaboration with an editor, including, but not limited to:
  • tracking legal news and developments in multiple court jurisdictions on a daily basis, using multiple information sources, and independently selecting appropriate news stories and topics for legal professional blog coverage;
  • issue spotting and developing previously unexplored legal angles or topics in current news stories;
  • creating informational content in the areas of legal technology, small firm management tips and techniques, in house counsel news and information, and legal lifestyle news and information for legal professional audiences at a national level; and
  • creating state and federal jurisdiction-based news and information content in the areas of case law development, court news, court rules, legal ethics and CLE compliance, and legal lifestyle for legal professional audiences and a jurisdictional level. (80%)
• Work with FindLaw Proprietary Sites Team to optimize blog posts using best practices in tagging, keyword usage, headline creation, well-formed HTML, content optimization and basic SEO. (20%)

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• JD required
• Professional legal practice experience a plus, but not required
• Excellent writing and reporting skills, with ability to write in a conversational tone and demonstrated ability to successfully write for the web, including experience writing for legal and lay audiences
• Mastery of high-volume, deadline-driven blog writing and ability to turn out a developed 350 word post in under 60 minutes
• Basic understanding of HTML and SEO
• Professional blogging or online media experience is highly desired
• Internet savvy with experience using social media tools such as blogs, message boards, social networks, microblogging, social bookmarking and/or social sharing

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has an interest in writing about legal topics for both consumer and legal professional audiences, and following legal news and developments
• Is comfortable working under an editor and recognizes the importance of constructive criticism
• Works well in a team environment, embraces change and is highly adaptable

** To apply, send resume, cover letter and writing sample to the email above. A writing sample that demonstrates your ability to write for a non-legal audience is preferred over a legal document. Please provide at least one writing sample as applications without writing samples will not be considered. Link to a personal blog or other online writing sample is preferred over a hard copy writing sample.