Specialist, Communications

Paul Hastings is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal solutions to many of the world's top financial institutions and Fortune Global 500 companies. With a strong presence throughout the U.S., Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, we have the global reach and extensive capabilities to provide personalized service wherever our clients’ needs take us. As one of the world’s leading law firms, we seek dynamic individuals who share our commitment to service, innovation, and professional growth.

Job Title

Specialist, Communications

Location

New York

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Description Summary

We have an immediate opening in our Communications Department for an experienced and motivated Communications Specialist in our New York office.

Working under the guidance of senior communications team members, the Communications Specialist will support public relations and communications initiatives that elevate the firm’s profile and brand in the market. The Communications Specialist will position the firm’s lawyers as leaders in their respective practices, including proactive and reactive media relations and communications planning, and assist with issues management. The Communications Specialist will also collaborate with multiple areas of our organization to support various external and internal communications efforts.

This is a role for a skilled writer, a strategic thinker, and someone with corporate communications or PR agency experience. We are seeking someone who can interact comfortably with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and who can successfully juggle multiple projects and deadlines.

Job Description

In this capacity, the Communications Specialist will:

• Provide ongoing PR and communications support, handling day-to-day inbound and outbound media relations, identifying proactive opportunities to pitch media and responding to media inquiries;
• Develop and maintain relationships with relevant reporters and editors;
• Take the lead in drafting and editing of select PR and communications materials, including press releases, pitches, media briefings, messaging, Q&As and presentations;
• Build trusted advisor relationships with partners and other key stakeholders in assigned practice areas;
• Prepare select partners and other stakeholders for media engagement, including developing materials such as briefings, key messages and talking points;
• Assist and support senior members of the communications team with issues management;
• In conjunction with senior team members, provide regular oversight of and guidance to external PR agencies in their efforts to support the firm, practices, and the communications team more broadly; 
• Oversee the production and distribution of a daily press recap on key global media coverage of the firm;
• Maintain and share a tracker of communications assets for incoming lateral talent;
• Monitor industry trends, relevant news stories, and the media landscape to develop new insights and identify potential media opportunities;
• Contribute to building and maintaining institutional intelligence in support of communications efforts, including a tracker of externally promotable matters and media list creation and management;
• Work beyond usual business hours, as needed; and
• Additional projects and responsibilities as assigned.

Proficiencies:

• Strong familiarity and comfort with digital platforms and associated technology;
• Self-starter who works well with professionals at all levels;
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple tasks and projects;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; and
• A willingness to learn.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (required);
• 5+ years of communications experience, preferably in legal or professional services, or a similar B2B environment; PR agency experience a plus; and
• Knowledge of, and experience with, media relations and proven ability to build and maintain strong media relationships (preferred); existing legal media relationships a plus.

The salary wage range for New York that we expect to pay for this position is a minimum of $91,000 and a maximum of $116,000 annually. The actual pay wage may vary based on experience or other relevant factors.

Employees will be provided with an excellent career opportunity in a collaborative environment, in addition to a generous total compensation package with the opportunity to earn bonuses based on individual contribution and firm profitability.

The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. This role is exempt meaning it is not overtime pay eligible.

Eligible employees can participate in the Firm’s comprehensive benefits program, which include the following:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life/AD&D, Long Term Care, and Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Account

• Healthcare Concierge and Advocacy

• Lifestyle Spending Account

• Voluntary 401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing

• 10 Paid Holidays per year and a generous PTO Program

• Family Support including Paid Parental Leave, Fertility Benefits, Breast Milk Shipping, Back-up Child Care, Elder Care, and Tutoring

• Wellbeing programs (Employee Assistance Program, Relationship Support, Mental Health, Menopause and Midlife Health and Well-Being Events)

• Retirement Plan Consulting

• Anniversary Bonus Program

• Professional Development Programs

• Transportation and Commuter Benefits

• International Travel Insurance

• Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance

• Auto/Home/Pet Insurance

• Prepaid Legal Insurance

• Employee Discounts

• And More!

The Firm fosters an open and inclusive work environment that enables us to provide clients with the innovative thinking of teams rich in talent, experience and creativity. We regularly host programs intended to increase cultural competencies and address key topics related to community, opportunity and inclusion. Learn more about our Global Inclusion initiatives here: Global Inclusion

Paul Hastings is an equal opportunity employer. Pursuant to applicable local law, we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the relevant fair chance ordinance.