Media & Communications Lead — Legal Affairs

DLA Piper LLP; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Communications Manager to lead external communications and media relations for lawyers across practices and markets. You will identify newsworthy opportunities, craft compelling stories, and manage media initiatives from concept to execution.

You will collaborate with lawyers, Communications and Marketing teams, and external PR agencies, and support messaging for high-profile client matters while operating within a hybrid work model across U.S. offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in PR/communications or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in marketing, PR or similar field.
• Experience in media relations and external communications.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes proactive media relations initiatives to raise the visibility of the firm's lawyers and practices.
• Identifies timely media opportunities and develops story angles and pitches.
• Builds and maintains relationships with journalists across legal, business, national, regional, and industry media.
• Drafts and edits media pitches, press releases, talking points, briefing materials, and website news items.
• Works with lawyers to prepare for interviews and develop key messages and briefing materials.
• Evaluates media inquiries and coordinates responses with lawyers and Communications colleagues.
• Monitors media coverage and industry developments to identify opportunities for the firm and clients.
• Promotes significant deals, disputes, and client matters with external communications.
• Collaborates with Communications, Marketing, BD, Digital and others to support coordinated initiatives across practices.
• Manages multiple communications initiatives and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
• Contributes to special projects as needed.

Skills

Media relations

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Project management

Stakeholder management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communication, journalism or related field

Job description

DLA Piper is seeking a Communications Manager to lead external communications and media relations for lawyers across practices and markets. You will identify newsworthy opportunities, craft compelling stories, and manage media initiatives from concept to execution.

You will collaborate with lawyers, Communications and Marketing teams, and external PR agencies, and support messaging for high-profile client matters while operating within a hybrid work model across U.S. offices.