What's Happening?
DLA Piper, a global law firm, is actively seeking a Senior Communications Manager to lead its public relations and media relations strategies. This role is crucial for advancing the firm's reputation and visibility across various platforms. The Senior Communications Manager will
work closely with lawyers, firm leaders, and internal communications and marketing teams, as well as external PR agencies, to develop and execute communication strategies. Key responsibilities include identifying compelling stories, building relationships with journalists, and proactively engaging with legal, business, national, regional, and industry media. The position requires significant experience in developing and executing proactive media relations strategies, strong writing and editing skills, and an understanding of the media landscape. The role can be based in any of DLA Piper's U.S. offices and offers a hybrid work arrangement. The expected salary range for this position is between $149,276 and $237,355, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by DLA Piper underscores the increasing importance of strategic communications and public relations within the legal industry. For a global law firm like DLA Piper, maintaining a strong public image and ensuring visibility in key media outlets is vital for attracting new clients, retaining existing ones, and recruiting top legal talent. The Senior Communications Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the firm's narrative, promoting its expertise, and responding to market trends. Effective communication strategies can significantly influence public perception, differentiate the firm from competitors, and highlight its contributions to legal and business developments. This investment in a senior communications role reflects a broader trend in professional services where reputation management and thought leadership are critical components of business growth and market positioning.
What's Next?
The recruitment process for the Senior Communications Manager position is currently underway, with DLA Piper accepting applications online. Once filled, the new manager will be tasked with immediately implementing and refining the firm's public relations initiatives. This will involve developing media pitches, crafting messaging, and securing commentary opportunities for the firm's lawyers on emerging legal and market trends. The individual will also be responsible for monitoring media coverage and trends to identify new opportunities and potential issues. The success of this role will likely be measured by increased media mentions, enhanced brand reputation, and improved engagement with key stakeholders, ultimately contributing to DLA Piper's strategic objectives in the competitive legal landscape.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on a Senior Communications Manager role at DLA Piper highlights a deeper shift in how professional services firms, particularly in the legal sector, approach their public image and market engagement. Beyond traditional advertising, there's a growing recognition of the power of earned media, thought leadership, and strategic storytelling to build credibility and influence. This role is not just about reactive public relations but about proactively shaping conversations around complex legal and business issues. It also reflects the evolving media landscape, where firms need to navigate a diverse array of platforms and build relationships with a wide range of journalists. The successful integration of this role will likely set a precedent for how other large law firms manage their external communications in an increasingly interconnected and reputation-driven world.
