Associate - Litigation (Environmental Law)

DLA Piper; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 310,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper in California seeks an associate to join its Litigation practice. This position is open to California-admitted lawyers with a strong interest in advancing complex environmental and products liability matters.

Ideal candidates will have 4–5 years of experience, CA state court exposure, and prior law firm or agency background. The role emphasizes rigorous legal research, persuasive writing, client collaboration, and professional development in a hybrid work environment with in‑office and

Qualifications

• JD required with California bar admission.
• Minimum 4–5 years of litigation experience, including CA state court.
• Experience in environmental and/or products liability litigation.
• Prior law firm or agency experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research to support case strategy.
• Draft briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex cases and transactions through discovery, negotiations, and trials.
• Maintain client relationships with regular updates and professional communication.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to develop strategies.
• Attend hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials as needed.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and stay current on law.
• Pursue ongoing professional development.
• Engage in firm citizenship and pro bono work.

Skills

Communication skills

Research

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Judgment

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Independent work

Conceptual thinking

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

Job description

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 practice group. This position is open to California-admitted lawyers.

Education

• JD

Bar Admission

• Admitted to practice in California

Experience

• Minimum 4-5 years of experience
• California state court experience
• Experience in environmental and/or products liability litigation
• Prior law firm or agency experience

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 judgment.
• 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

• 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 working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on‑screen reading and typing; participating in digital/virtual conference calls; 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

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

• Hybrid – Regular in‑office presence with some flexibility for work‑from‑home

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.

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.