Communications Specialist – Public Relations

DLA Piper; Wilmington (DE); Hybrid; USD 46,838 - 73,012; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper seeks a Communications Specialist (Public Relations) to elevate the firm's brand through targeted media relations and strategic storytelling. This role requires a proactive communicator capable of building relationships with journalists and translating complex legal topics into clear narratives.

You will collaborate with attorneys and Marketing colleagues to promote practice areas, pitch stories, and manage media relationships while supporting a hybrid work schedule across US offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 5 years’ experience in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a similar field.
• Proactive, strategic thinker with strong storytelling and media relations abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop media relations strategies that align with firm goals and increase visibility among legal and business audiences.
• Collaborate with attorneys and Communications, Marketing and Business Development teams to craft storylines for practice areas and achievements.
• Proactively pitch story ideas, press releases, and commentary to secure placements.
• Maintain relationships with journalists and stay current with media landscape changes.

Skills

Storytelling

Media relations

Writing

Editing

Verbal communication

Organizational skills

Media monitoring tools

West Coast hours

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

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 the media landscape.
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Desired Skills

Proactive, strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling and an understanding of the legal industry. Proven track record of successfully securing media coverage and building relationships with journalists. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication 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 a similar field.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently and responsively.
• 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 as required.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

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 composed of remote and in‑office work. The requirement will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager or supervisor and may be modified in the firm’s discretion in the future.

Compensation and Benefits

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $34.09 – $53.17 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographical 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 upon 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 a 401(k). No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

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 [e-mail].

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.