Communications Coordinator

At Haynes and Boone, our people are the driving force behind our success. Because we value the role every individual plays in how we deliver exceptional legal services, we hire people who will contribute to our professional reputation, enhance client relationships and share in our success.

Haynes and Boone is one of the largest law firms in Dallas, and it continues to grow. In 2023, Haynes and Boone moved its headquarters to a new 27-story office tower in the Harwood District of uptown Dallas. Lawyers in our Dallas office serve all the firm’s practice and industry areas – including corporate, litigation, banking/finance, insurance law, healthcare law, labor and employment, estate planning, real estate, bankruptcy, intellectual property, white collar crime, and antitrust. Our Dallas lawyers are widely recognized in their practice areas in publications such as The Best Lawyers in America directory (Woodward/White, Inc.) and the Chambers USA legal directory (Chambers & Partners). This office attracts high-energy, technically proficient people who enjoy working in a collegial environment. We are committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects our communities, and we seek highly motivated lawyers and staff who value our culture of respect and teamwork.

The primary role of this non-exempt position is to support members of the Media Relations Team and the firm’s overall communications efforts to enhance its profile. The Communications Coordinator assists in executing Haynes Boone’s social media and digital presence, website content updates, media reporting, awards and directory submissions, surveys and related communications initiatives. This role supports content development, digital communications execution, media relations initiatives, project coordination and attorney engagement efforts. The position requires strong news judgment, writing ability and an understanding of the firm’s brand voice and strategic communications objectives.

Essential Duties

• Perform public relations support functions, including data collection from content syndicators, project coordination, attorney communication and media administration support.

• Develop and apply working knowledge of media relations strategy, press outreach fundamentals and media training principles to support attorney engagement initiatives.

• Draft engaging and on-brand social media copy for firm accounts; exercise sound news judgment in identifying timely opportunities for promotion; schedule and post content at the direction of the Director of Media Relations.

• Help maintain and manage the firm’s social media and editorial calendars.

• Monitor legal, business and industry news to identify opportunities for attorney commentary, media outreach and strategic visibility.

• Track and maintain social media metrics and update social media reporting software to ensure accurate performance tracking.

• Collaborate with the creative team to develop graphics and visual content that complements social media posts.

• Train lawyers individually on best practices for personal social media use, helping them build an effective and professional online presence.

• Coordinate media logistics, including scheduling interviews, facilitating follow-ups and supporting communication with reporters and the firm’s external PR agency.

• Draft website content and press releases, including announcements related to client work, litigation outcomes, lateral hires, awards and firm milestones.

• Post news, publications, articles and awards on the firm’s external website and update media relations work product to ensure accuracy and alignment with firm brand messaging.

• Edit attorney-written articles, client alerts and other written materials for clarity, tone, strategic alignment and consistency with the Haynes Boone style guide.

• Complete and submit surveys, directories, awards and nominations under the supervision of the Director of Media Relations; track and coordinate an awards and directories project list and communicate opportunities and deadlines to lawyers and Business Development Managers.

• Maintain organized media records and reporting systems; track and analyze media placements to support internal performance reporting and strategic evaluation.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

The Communications Coordinator reports to the Communications Manager.

Subordinate staff:  N/A

Qualifications

Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in public relations or marketing required. Professional services experience in public relations or marketing preferred.

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Skills

• Must demonstrate excellent writing, editing and research skills, with strong news judgment and attention to detail.

• Ability to understand and apply the firm’s brand voice and strategic communications objectives required.

• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

• Must be highly organized, capable of critical thinking and able to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced professional services environment.

• Ability to learn over time to provide thoughtful communications guidance to attorneys preferred.

Education

• College degree required. Major in communications, public relations, journalism or marketing preferred.

Physical Demands

Must be able to move around the office up to 15% of the time to make copies, fax, file, etc; Remains stationary at least 85% of the time. This position operates computers and other office productivity machines (e.g., fax machine, copier, printer, etc) on a regular basis. Occasionally required to move documents or files weighing up to 15 lbs; This position requires constant communication and exchange of information with the firm attorneys, clients and staff. This position must be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time.

Working Conditions

Office environment.