Associate - Litigation (Environmental Law)

DLA Piper LLP (US); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper LLP (US) is seeking an associate to join its Litigation practice group in San Francisco, California. The role is open to California-admitted lawyers with a minimum of 4-5 years of relevant experience, including California state court experience and a background in environmental or products liability litigation.

The position offers a hybrid work environment, requiring regular in-office presence while allowing some flexibility for work-from-home. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex cases effectively.

Qualifications

• 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

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well-written, error-free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate strong client relationships.
• Collaborate with other lawyers and business professionals.
• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities.
• Ensure compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Engage in firm programs and pro-bono work.

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

Education

JD

Bar Admission – admitted to practice in California

Job description

Summary

DLAPiper is seeking an associate to join its Litigation practice group. The role 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

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well‑written, error‑free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution, including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with other lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative case/transaction strategies and achieve favorable outcomes.
• Attend, support, and participate in high‑level legal activities such as court hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance legal knowledge, technology, management, and leadership skills.
• Engage in firm programs, civic and professional organizations, and pro‑bono work to support underserved 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 efficiently and responsively.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Meet deadlines and expectations; perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships; comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, with frequent or constant light lifting, pushing, or pulling. Includes prolonged computer use and meetings.

Work Environment

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

DLAPiper 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.