Associate - Corporate Litigation (Wilmington, DE)

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. The ideal candidate will have corporate litigation experience in the Delaware Court of Chancery with superior research, writing, and analytical skills. Securities and commercial litigation experience in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware is also highly valued.  Additionally, strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, are important. The ability to multitask and prioritize is also required.  We prefer candidates with immediately transferable skills and strong academic backgrounds.  Strong project management skills and attention to detail will be critical to success. Candidates must be licensed to practice in Delaware or have sat for the Delaware bar and are awaiting admission. 

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in the Delaware Court of Chancery or the District of Delaware
• Superior research, writing, and analytical skills

Education

• JD

Bar Admission

• Delaware

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.

Desired Skills

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

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
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]. 

Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntary 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.