Open Positions: Professional Staff

The Director of Communications leads the firm’s market-facing communications and reports to the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer (CMBDO). This is a senior, strategic role. The Director serves as a trusted communications advisor to firm leadership, section leaders, and individual attorneys, designing and driving the media and communications plans that strengthen Hanson Bridgett’s brand reputation, increase its visibility and market engagement, and advance client development, go-to-market priorities, and talent recruiting. The Director shapes and promotes the firm’s brand, achievements, and innovation, and keeps every communication clear, consistent, and true to the firm’s voice and values.

The Director shapes the firm’s narrative for clients, prospects, referral sources, lawyers, business professionals, and recruiting audiences. The role also develops internal sales-enablement communications that help lawyers and business professionals understand the firm’s market activity and position its capabilities. The Director leads the Communications Manager, who handles day-to-day execution of the plans the Director sets, and is the firm’s lead communications advisor in a crisis or reputational event.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Strategy and messaging:

• Serve as the strategic communications advisor to firm leadership, section leaders, and individual attorneys, building and running integrated external and go-to-market communications strategies that support the firm’s strategic plan: to be the best at what we do, a great place to work, and a significant contributor to our communities.
• Develop customized media and visibility plans with firm leadership, section leaders, and individual attorneys, aligning each plan to firm priorities, the lawyer’s or section’s practice and business goals, and the right audiences and outlets.
• Shape and steward the firm’s market-facing narrative so messaging clearly conveys its differentiators, expertise, culture, and client value.
• Partner with Business Development, Professional Development, Talent, Recruiting, Section Leaders and Attorneys on plans that drive revenue growth, client engagement, lawyer visibility, employer brand, and law student and lateral recruiting.
• Set and evolve the firm’s brand voice and style guidelines and oversee their consistent use across all channels. Prepare, proofread, format, and finalize legal documents, including pleadings, discovery materials, motions, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to deadlines.

Media and public relations:

• Lead thought leadership and editorial planning tied to priority industries, practices, client needs, and talent positioning.
• Counsel lawyers on media strategy, develop pitches with them, and prepare them for interviews and market commentary. Direct the placement of attorney-written articles, with the Communications Manager handling day-to-day execution.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with journalists at key outlets and connect partners with them.
• Own the relationship with the outside public relations agency, including setting strategy and priorities, directing day-to-day work through the Communications Manager, and evaluating performance against agreed goals.
• Set the approach for press releases and review and approve final drafts prepared by the Communications Manager, in partnership with the CMBDO.
• Identify and elevate high-impact stories, matters, client issues, lawyer perspectives, and people-related proof points through proactive PR and content opportunities. 

Content, digital, and social:

• Set the social media strategy and cultural posting calendar, with the Communications Manager managing day-to-day execution, and review analytics and adjust the approach based on performance.
• Champion the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and pro bono commitment through proactive storytelling, internally and externally.
• Partner with digital, creative, events, and marketing technology teams to deliver integrated campaigns across external channels.

Operations and measurement:

• Manage agencies and outside suppliers, including briefings and coordination across geographies.
• Build the annual communications budget in partnership with the CMBDO, aligned to firm strategy and KPIs, and manage spend against it.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Communications Manager, setting priorities, delegating execution, and reviewing work product.
• Oversee analytics for the department, including media coverage, website and content engagement, and PR agency results, and report on effectiveness and ROI against KPIs set to align with firm strategy.
• Set standards, processes, calendars, and governance for external and go-to-market communications.
• Lead crisis and reputational communications, advising firm leadership and the CMBDO, maintaining response plans and protocols, and directing the Communications Manager and outside agency in execution.

Required AI Skills

• Practical experience with generative AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) to speed drafting of press releases, articles, social content, and internal communications, with a clear sense of what needs full attorney or human review before publication.
• Basic understanding of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), meaning how content surfaces in AI-powered search and answer engines, and how it complements traditional SEO for legal marketing.
• Sound judgment on AI governance in a law firm (confidentiality, bar advertising rules, disclosure obligations, and avoiding hallucinated or unverified claims), and the ability to set expectations for responsible AI use across the communications team.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred, and minimum 10+ years of professional experience in a communications role at an AmLaw 200 law firm
• Law firm experience strongly preferred, ideally in a communications role at an AmLaw 200 firm.
• Solid public relations experience with developed media contacts.
• Results-oriented, self-directed individual with demonstrated ability to prioritize, juggle multiple assignments, meet tight deadlines, and function as part of a cohesive team.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication and superior writing and editing skills, tailored to different audiences.
• Sound judgment, attention to detail, and the discretion to make decisions with minimal supervision.
• Working knowledge of attorney advertising rules and professional responsibility requirements that affect law firm marketing and communications.
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing communications staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including PowerPoint and SharePoint) and Adobe Suite.
• Knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram).
• Experience with media monitoring and social analytics platforms, preferably Sprout Social and JD Supra (or comparable tools such as Cision or Meltwater).

Compensation

Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The annual salary for this California-based role is anticipated to be in the area of $220,000.00 – $250,000.00, and represents the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is negotiable and will depend upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

This role offers a flexible hybrid schedule, with 1 to 3 days in the office per week, depending on your location and assigned practice group. Remote workdays are coordinated with your direct supervisor and assigned attorneys to ensure team needs are consistently met. Employees must be available for in-person meetings, court deadlines, professional development sessions, and other critical business needs as they arise.

To support a seamless remote work experience, Hanson Bridgett will provide all necessary IT equipment for working remotely, ensuring you have the tools you need to perform at your best wherever you are working.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide comprehensive administrative and legal support to attorneys and paralegals across active litigation matters.
• Prepare, proofread, format, and finalize legal documents, including pleadings, discovery materials, motions, and correspondence, ensuring accuracy and strict adherence to deadlines.
• Manage attorney calendars efficiently; schedule client meetings, court appearances, depositions, and hearings; and coordinate complex travel arrangements.
• Handle the filing and e-filing of legal documents in federal and state courts, ensuring full compliance with applicable court rules and local requirements.
• Maintain, organize, and update case files, ensuring all documents are properly categorized, indexed, and filed in a timely manner within the firm’s document management system.
• Monitor and track critical deadlines, ensuring attorneys are fully prepared for court appearances, hearings, depositions, and client meetings.
• Assist with billing processes, including time entry, tracking attorney hours, and timely submission to billing software.
• Serve as a professional and responsive primary point of contact for incoming calls, emails, and correspondence on behalf of attorneys.
• Manage client interactions with care and discretion, maintaining strict confidentiality and delivering exceptional, white-glove client service.
• Prepare high-quality PowerPoint presentations, Excel reports, and other materials for client meetings and internal use.
• Collaborate actively with team members across departments to support firm initiatives, special projects, and research assignments as requested.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of legal secretarial experience, with a strong preference for litigation-focused backgrounds.
• Expert knowledge of legal terminology, court rules, and procedures, with particular emphasis on California law, including local, state, and federal courts.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and legal technology platforms, including document management systems, e-filing platforms, and billing software.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative team player in a professional setting, contributing positively to team dynamics, communicating proactively, and supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities, tasks, and deadlines in a demanding, deadline-driven environment.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with excellent grammar, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to craft clear, concise legal correspondence and documents.
• A deep commitment to attention to detail and following instructions in litigation support; precision is not optional; it is the standard by which all work is measured.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also thriving as a contributing member of a close-knit legal team.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability, with a high degree of initiative when handling complex or unexpected tasks.
• Unwavering professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive information or high-profile matters.
• Flexibility to work overtime or adjust hours as necessary to meet firm needs, particularly during critical deadlines or intensive case preparation.

Compensation

Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The annual salary for this California-based role is anticipated to be in the area of $85,000.00 – $100,000.00, and represents the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is negotiable and will depend upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

The Legal Project Manager collaborates with attorneys, administrative professionals, and clients to manage the status, resources, and timelines for a variety of projects, and works with colleagues to provide updates on issues to ensure deadlines are communicated and met, and provides oversight with trademark and copyright research and projects.

This is a hybrid position that requires in-office attendance at our Los Angeles office two days per week. On days when in-person attendance is not required, the individual may work remotely, subject to approval by their direct supervisor (and assigned attorneys, if applicable). As an essential function of the role, the employee must be available to attend in-person meetings, training and professional development sessions, and other business-related activities as needed. This position requires residency in California and will be designated to Hanson Bridgett’s Los Angeles office location.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Create long and short-term plans, including tracking progress of phases and tasks, setting targets for milestones and adhering to deadlines.
• Delegate tasks on a project to attorneys and administrative professionals who are best positioned to complete them.
• Make effective decisions when presented with multiple options for how to progress a project.
• Serve as a point of contact when multiple colleagues are assigned to the same project to ensure team actions remain in synergy.
• Perform quality control on the project throughout development to maintain the standards expected.
• Adjust schedules and targets on projects as needed or as project scope changes.
• Create meeting agendas and coordinate practice group and team meetings, recording and collecting minutes, and identifying action items.
• Coordinate and assist in ensuring that meeting agendas and requirements are accurate and complete, including coordination of external guests and, if needed, their travel and accommodations.
• Serve as the liaison on communications for both internal teams and external clients. Responsible for communicating or coordinating the communication of updates, information, and changes.
• Manage the administrative functions, such as the preparation and formatting of written communications, reporting, or presentations, client intake, and billing; maintain and update client files and communication as directed.
• Ensure proper technology is leveraged to execute both project-coordination and financial-tracking tasks.
• Set the calendar and own the daily itinerary as well as any meeting deliverables, communications, or follow-up.
• Oversight of client status reports, research projects, and client communications related to the supported practice area.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Must be a proactive, self-starter who is detail-oriented and can integrate particulars into a larger, strategic context.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial and budget information clearly to attorneys and clients.
• Excellent organizational skills and a high level of attention to detail.
• Experience with researching, collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data, including matter financial data.
• Customer service orientation, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong, independent problem-solving and the ability to offer constructive opinions and creative solutions.
• A team player who motivates and educates other team members.
• Must have flexibility to work outside scheduled hours as required.
• Exceptional technology skills, with expert-level knowledge of Outlook, Smartsheet, and other project management platforms.

Education, Experience & Certification Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a law firm environment, including exposure to matter budgeting, billing, alternative fee arrangements, or financial reporting.
• Legal project management certification preferred; PMP certification with legal experience also desirable.

Essential Job Expectations:

All Hanson Bridgett employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and support our colleagues, upholding the firm’s values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, attorneys, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality as required in a law firm environment, particularly regarding sensitive matters, financial and client information.

Compensation

Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The hourly/ annual salary for this California-based role is anticipated to be in the range of an hourly rate of $58.97 to $64.10 and a salary of $115,000 to $125,000, representing the firm’s good-faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is negotiable and will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.

The Facilities Coordinator reports to the Director of Office Operations and is the main point of contact for the San Francisco office, with backup coverage for the San Rafael Facilities Coordinator. This role keeps the office clean and fully operational; coordinates with outside vendors and building management on office moves, furniture, and building improvements; and works closely with IT on conference room and audio/visual set-ups. In-office attendance each day is an essential function of this role.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the main point of contact for facility-related requests and issues, and maintain consistent communication with the Director of Office Operations.
• Provide reception and office support coverage during business hours: answer phones, greet clients, visitors, and employees, and maintain the lobby directory and building access security list.
• Handle copy/scan requests, prepare and distribute mail and shipments, and coordinate deliveries and courier services.
• Maintain and order office supplies and kitchen inventory; keep common areas clean, organized, and fully functional.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, installations, and cleaning with building management and outside vendors.
• Assist with office moves, workspace setups, and employee onboarding/offboarding, including preparing offices for new hires and checking new hire documents on the first day.
• Plan and implement office engagement and client events, and set up conference rooms with IT.
• Assist IT in maintaining copy machines and printers and setting up new office equipment.
• Support office safety and security, including badge access, visitor coordination, emergency supplies and equipment, and emergency preparedness.
• Work with the vendor on off-site storage transfers.
• Maintain facility records, vendor contacts, and service schedules; review and code vendor invoices.
• Prepare and enter timesheets and complete expense reports when requested.
• Update and maintain the San Francisco office intranet page.
• Provide backup coverage for the San Rafael Facilities Coordinator during vacations, absences, and other leave.

Required Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills, with a commitment to exceptional internal and external customer service to clients, lawyers (in-house and outside counsel), and staff.
• Reliable, flexible, and collaborative; able to work with attorneys and paralegals with a variety of working styles and to thrive on helping others complete projects as a team.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy; takes initiative.
• Ability to learn new software and implement training with the team.
• Resourceful, solutions-oriented problem solver with a cheerful, can-do attitude.
• Flexibility to work overtime.
• Proficient in MS Office and Acrobat, with general knowledge of A/V systems and office equipment.

Compensation

Hanson Bridgett offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The hourly rate for this California-based role is anticipated to be in the area of $33.33 - $38.46 and represents the firm’s good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is negotiable and will depend upon several factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s years of experience, qualifications, and skill set.