Entry-Level Corporate Associate (3L Hire)

DLA Piper LLP (US); Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking entry-level associates to join the Corporate group in the fall of 2027 in Palo Alto, CA. Applicants should be current third year law students with an anticipated graduation date in spring 2027. We value entrepreneurial minds who want to build legal skills and gain client insight.

The position requires a JD from an accredited law school and at least 1 year of experience. The firm offers a collaborative, supportive environment with hybrid work options and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Third year law students with anticipated graduation Spring 2027.
• JD required from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 1 year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with clients and colleagues verbally and in writing.
• Produce deliverables and reply to correspondence promptly.
• Meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
• Foster positive work relationships and comply with firm policies.
• Participate in meetings and digital conferences.
• Handle multiple tasks under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Strong analytical writing

Attention to detail

Excellent organizational skills

Research and problem solving

Oral and written communication

Influence others

Management skills

Education

JD Degree from an accredited law school

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.

DLA Piper is seeking entry-level associates to join the Corporate group in the fall of 2027 in Boston, New York, Palo Alto, and San Francisco. Applicants should be current third year law students with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2027. We are seeking exceptional law students with an entrepreneurial mindset, who are motivated to build their legal skills and gain insight into client needs. We value innovators and creative thinkers. If you thrive on challenge and value teamwork, we want to hear from you.

Minimum Education Current third year law students with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2027.

Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Attention to detail
• Good business judgment
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Research and problem-solving skills
• Conceptual thinking
• Ability to influence others
• Persuasive communication
• Management skills

Minimum Education JD Degree from an accredited law school.

Minimum Years of Experience 1

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 (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.

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.

Get to Know Us We invite you to learn more about us. Please visit the following pages for more information about DLA Piper.

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.