Communications Assistant

Cooley LLP

About the Role

Cooley is seeking a Communications Assistant to join the Communications team, providing day-to-day support for media relations, external communications, and reputation-building efforts. This role involves identifying and promoting news, supporting media relationships, maintaining communication tools, and assisting with various written content initiatives.

Position Responsibilities

• Support the external communications team in executing proactive media relations and reputation-building initiatives.
• Monitor news and media coverage involving Cooley, its lawyers, clients, competitors, and priority industries and issues.
• Prepare and distribute regular media coverage reports and other communications updates.
• Maintain and update media lists, journalist information, and other media relations resources.
• Conduct research on reporters, publications, industry trends, news developments, and potential communications opportunities.
• Assist with media outreach, including the preparation and distribution of press releases, deal announcements, media pitches, and other communications materials.
• Support the coordination of media interviews and reporter interactions, including scheduling and preparation of background materials.
• Identify timely opportunities to highlight Cooley’s client work, lawyers, practices, and perspectives.
• Support the drafting, editing, proofreading, and posting of external communications content.
• Assist with maintaining communications calendars, trackers, and reporting tools, including media activity and upcoming announcements.
• Support external communications campaigns and special projects involving earned media, social media, thought leadership, and other content.
• Provide administrative and organizational support to the external communications team, including scheduling meetings and maintaining team materials and resources.
• Help ensure communications processes, trackers, media contacts, and other team resources remain accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate effectively with colleagues across Communications, Marketing & Business Development, and other firm functions.
• Manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Take initiative in identifying ways to improve team organization, processes, and information sharing.
• All other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, iManage, and other firm applications after orientation.
• Available to work overtime, as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.
• Previous internship or professional experience in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, professional services, or a related field.
• Familiarity with media monitoring, media databases, or other public relations tools.

Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple activities.
• Strong judgment.
• Team-player with collaborative spirit while also taking ownership of individual assignments.
• Unwavering ability to maintain confidentiality.
• High level of professionalism.
• Self-starter able to work in a demanding, project-based environment.
• Ability to multi-task, problem solve, work well under pressure, and coordinate sophisticated marketing programs.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Passion and curiosity for current events and media, including business, tech, legal sectors, and media verticals.
• Assertive, but flexible; able to handle tense situations and interact with various personalities and communication styles at all levels.
• Strong analytic and research/information-gathering skills.
• High energy and genuine enthusiasm for law firm marketing and communications activities and goals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to take comprehensive and accurate notes.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to learn new systems and processes quickly.