Communications Specialist – Public Relations

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

As a Communications Specialist (Public Relations), you will play an important role in promoting the firm’s brand through targeted media relations and public relations efforts. The role requires a proactive and results-oriented individual with a deep understanding of the media landscape and a proven track record in building relationships with journalists and media outlets.

Location

This position can sit in any of our US offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Help create and implement comprehensive media relations strategies that align with firm goals and enhance its visibility with legal and business audiences.
• Collaborate with the attorneys and Communications, Marketing and Business Development colleagues to develop storylines that promote the firm’s practice areas, attorneys, and significant achievements.
• Proactively pitch story ideas, news releases, and commentary to secure media placements in relevant outlets.
• Maintain media relationships and be aware of changes in media landscape.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.
• Desired Skills
• Proactive, strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling and understanding of the legal industry. Proven track record of successfully securing media coverage and building relationships with journalists. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communications skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and engagingly. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively. Proficiency in media monitoring tools. Ability to work West Coast hours preferred but not mandatory.
• Minimum Education
• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum Years of Experience
• 5 years’ experience in Marketing, Public relations, Journalism, or similar field.
• Essential Job Expectations
• While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.
• Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.
• Physical Demands
• Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Work Environment
• The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement comprised of remote and in-office work, the requirement for which will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.
• Disclaimer
• The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.
• Application Process
• Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.
• Accommodation
• Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com .
• Agency applications will not be considered.
• No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
• The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $34.09 - $53.17 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.
• The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
• Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.
• DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.  Job applicant poster viewing center .