Public relations assistant Jobs in Oakland, CA

Public Relations Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Public Relations Manager at Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP. We are searching for someone who wants to be a valued contributor and member of a talented and dynamic team of lawyers, paralegals and business professionals.

The Public Relations Manager plays a central role in building and amplifying the Eversheds Sutherland brand across the US marketplace. Working alongside a peer PR Manager and in close partnership with the US Director of Communications and Brand, this role leads the development and execution of integrated public relations strategies across all US offices, practice groups, and attorneys.

This is a role for a strategic communicator someone who brings their own point of view, connects PR activity to measurable business outcomes, and proactively shapes the firm's narrative rather than simply responding to requests. The ideal candidate knows how to build strong, trusted relationships with attorneys while also managing expectations with confidence and directing effort toward the priorities that matter most to the firm.

Equally important is how this person operates as part of a team. This role requires close, ongoing collaboration with the peer PR Manager, the Business Development and Client Services teams, and firm leadership and success depends on the ability to balance competing demands, communicate transparently, and put the team's goals ahead of individual priorities. Strong organizational skills and a disciplined approach to managing multiple workstreams are essential.

The ideal candidate brings genuine PR instincts, a strategic understanding of how AI is reshaping media and communications, and the presence to earn credibility across the organization. Experience managing others whether staff, freelancers, or agency partners is preferred, and the ability to do so will be an expectation as the team grows.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Strategy & Prioritization

• Develop and own a proactive US PR strategy identifying story opportunities, setting priorities, and aligning PR activity to the firm's business objectives, not just attorney requests.
• Bring a clear point of view on where to invest time and resources, balancing individual attorney asks against broader firm and practice group priorities.
• Maintain rigorous project management across multiple simultaneous workstreams, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and stakeholders are kept informed.
• Build and maintain systems and workflows that create accountability, visibility, and consistency across the PR function.

Attorney Relations & Media Execution

• Proactively identify and pursue media opportunities at the regional, national, and global level to elevate Eversheds Sutherland's profile across key practice groups and industry sectors.
• Execute day-to-day PR activities including pitching and placing bylined articles and stories, preparing attorneys for media interviews, drafting and distributing press releases, and securing speaking engagements for attorneys.
• Build trusted relationships with attorneys while confidently managing expectations advising on what's realistic, setting clear timelines, and redirecting effort toward the firm's highest-priority opportunities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with editors, reporters, and journalists across regional and national markets.
• Partner with the International PR team to identify cross-border media opportunities and ensure consistent global messaging.

Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility

• Develop and implement thought leadership strategies that position key attorneys and firm leaders as go-to voices in their areas of expertise.
• Collaborate with attorneys and Business Development professionals to shape compelling narratives around practice group strengths, client wins, and industry trends.

Digital & Social Media

• Support and help drive social media strategies that amplify attorney profiles, practice area content, and firm news.
• Contribute to content planning across digital channels, ensuring PR efforts are integrated with broader digital communications.

AI & Evolving Media Landscape

• Bring a strategic understanding of how AI is reshaping media, journalism, and communications and apply that perspective to how the firm tells its story.
• Leverage AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, enhance content quality, and inform media strategy. Curiosity and a willingness to experiment are just as valued as existing fluency.

Awards, Measurement & Operations

• Help manage and implement a comprehensive awards strategy covering individual attorney recognitions and firm-level submissions.
• Help maintain the US public relations media database and coverage tracking.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of PR efforts, translating results into actionable insights for leadership.
• Establish and refine processes and workflows to enhance team productivity and streamline operations.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner closely with the Business Development and Client Development teams to understand practice areas and support strategic plans.
• Manage external agencies, freelancers, or consultants as needed; as the team grows, this role is expected to take on direct management responsibilities.
• Support additional projects and initiatives as directed by the US Director of Communications and Brand.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required from an accredited college or university; preferred concentration in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of public relations or related experience in a professional services environment. Law firm or professional services experience preferred; agency background is equally welcome. Some global or international exposure is a plus. Experience managing staff, freelancers, or agencies is preferred; candidates without prior direct management experience but with a clear readiness to grow into that responsibility will also be considered.

Skills:

• Strong media relations instincts with a proven track record of placements. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Ability to distill complex legal topics into compelling narratives. Strategic thinker who proactively identifies opportunities and connects PR activity to business outcomes not just executes requests. Highly organized with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, set expectations, and deliver across simultaneous workstreams. Comfortable advising and pushing back on attorneys when appropriate, while maintaining strong working relationships. Proven collaborator who works well across functions and puts team goals first. Strong executive presence and comfort working directly with firm leadership. Experience with social media strategy and digital communications. Familiarity with AI tools for communications or content or a demonstrated curiosity and commitment to developing that fluency. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

AI & Emerging Tools:

• Strategic awareness of how AI is reshaping media, journalism, and the communications industry is important to this role. Comfort using AI-powered tools (for research, drafting, media analysis, etc.) is valued; candidates who are actively experimenting and learning in this space are encouraged to apply.

This is a hybrid role and will require on-site presence 3 days per week. The salary ranges for this position vary depending on the geographic location and other factors such as experience, internal equity, market data, and job-related considerations. The range for this position is from $95,000 - $135,000, with offers contingent upon the various factors. The firm's compensation strategy includes not just a base salary but also comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, discretionary merit bonuses, life and disability insurance, retirement plans and tailored learning opportunities.

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our Firm and in the larger legal profession. We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger firm. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP maintains a policy of affording all employees and applicants equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression or transgender status), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, ancestry, amnesty, citizenship status, ethnicity, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation will not be tolerated in any of the Firm's offices or any other work-related setting. Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a position or to enable them to perform the essential functions of a position for which they are otherwise qualified. EEO.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.