Manager, Public Relations

Davispolk Open · verified Aug 15, 2026

Hybrid Northern California Full-time Manager Public Relations

Mid-level Public Relations role at Davispolk. Northern California · full-time · $175,000–$225,000 base.

SalaryStated by Davispolk

$175,000 – $225,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Help create media plans for California offices and lawyers with practice group leaders
Handle press inquiries, statements, coverage tracking, and journalist relationships
Prepare lawyers for interviews and advise them on communications messaging
Write releases, website content, announcements, and targeted media lists
Find bylined-article opportunities and support reports and research for management

What you bring

Six to eight years of public relations experience, preferably in law or professional services
Exceptional writing skills with control of tone and voice across audiences and publications
Strong organization, attention to detail, and deadline-management skills
Initiative, discretion, judgment, and the ability to build effective working relationships
Strong press contacts and a relevant bachelor’s degree

Who this fits

This hybrid role suits a collaborative PR professional who can advise lawyers, work with business development teams, and manage sensitive, time-sensitive communications. You’ll support three California offices from Northern California and travel to Southern California as needed. The work requires strong relationships with people at all levels, sound judgment, and comfort managing multiple priorities.

From the employer

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

The PR Manager will play a central role in executing public relations and other external/internal communications activities across our three offices in California. This position partners closely with lawyers and business development professionals to develop and execute strategic communications that support practice objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

Helping to implement the media strategy for the firm’s California offices and lawyers, working closely with practice group leaders to develop effective public relations plans.
Supporting day-to-day media relations, including responding to press inquiries, coordinating statements and monitoring coverage.
Developing and maintaining relationships with key business, legal and trade journalists, particularly those based in California and on the West Coast.
Providing counsel to lawyers on messaging and interview preparation.
Collaborating with the full PR team to build additional brand awareness around our California offices.
Drafting press releases and other external announcements and developing targeted media lists for distribution.
Researching opportunities for and facilitating placement of bylined articles.
Drafting wide-ranging content for the firm’s external website and other communications vehicles.
Assisting with various reports to management and research projects.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

Exceptional written communication skills, including ability to draft creative and compelling copy capable of achieving the necessary tone and voice for multiple audiences and publications
Excellent organizational skills and very strong attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple, often time-sensitive, projects simultaneously and prioritize competing deadlines
Proactive approach with ability to initiate and manage projects
Exceptional judgment and discretion
Travel to Southern California, as needed
Highly collaborative, with the ability to form effective working relationships with individuals at all levels
Strong press contacts

Education and/or Experience

6-8 years of experience in public relations (law or professional services firm background preferred)
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 - $225,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.