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Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a mid‑level associate to join its Corporate Environmental practice group, with a focus on supporting corporate, finance, and real estate transactions. This position is open in our New York, Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia offices.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.
Legal Research: Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy.
Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.
Internal/External Client Interaction: Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including client calls and meetings, negotiations, etc.
Compliance: Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
Professional Development: Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement: Engage in and contribute to; firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

Job Competencies & Desired Skills

Strong background in environmental law as it applies to corporate, finance, and real estate transactions, including environmental due diligence, risk allocation, and disclosure matters.
Experience advising on environmental matters in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities offerings, and financing transactions, including support for issuers and underwriters.
Familiarity with federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, including TSCA, CAA, CWA, CERCLA, RCRA, and related ESG, climate change, and sustainability considerations.
Experience assisting clients with environmental disclosure obligations in SEC filings and other public reporting.
Ability to support brownfield redevelopment, remediation strategy, and environmental risk management in transactional settings.
Familiarity with coordinating matters involving EPA and state environmental agencies; experience responding to environmental incidents or releases (including PFAS‑related issues) is a plus.
Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex environmental issues into practical, business‑focused advice.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound business judgment.
Ability to work both collaboratively in cross‑disciplinary teams and independently on sophisticated matters.

Minimum Education

Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which you are officing.

Minimum Years of Experience

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Prior law firm and/or government agency experience preferred.
Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties;
Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner;
Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product;
Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required;
Foster positive work relationships;
Comply with all firm policies and practices;
Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed;
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment;
Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment-The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion

Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact CorporateTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Search Firms

Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal. If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to CorporateTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $260,000 - $390,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.

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