Associate - Litigation (Class Action)

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its Litigation group, Product Liability, Mass Torts & Class Actions subgroup, to work with its Class Actions practice. This position is o open to any US office, with a preference for New York metropolitan based candidates.

Education

• JD

Bar Admission

• Admitted to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are applying

Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of litigation experience, preferably gained while practicing at an AmLaw 100 firm

• Experience with class action defense, including securities, data and privacy, or consumer litigation

• Experience managing multi-matter dockets

• Previous federal clerkship is preferred

• Strong persuasive legal writing skills

• Experience running large scale discovery of matters

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 case/transaction preparation and strategy.

• Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.

• Case/Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/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 case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.

• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, 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.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Good business and professional judgment. Excellent organizational skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Conceptual thinking. Persuasive communication. Management skills.

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, 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 confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands
Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.
Work Environment-The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion

• Opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion.

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
All candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a writing sample not substantially edited by anyone other than the applicant.
Please apply online if you are a direct applicant.  Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.  If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or if you have any questions about the process, please contact [email protected].  Please add [email protected] to your list of safe senders. 

 
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 [email protected].

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $310,000-$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).

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law.

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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.