Private Equity Associate

DLA Piper; New York (NY); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

DLA Piper in New York seeks a private equity associate to support high-profile M&A transactions for strategic buyers, sellers, and PE firms. You will conduct research, draft documents, and coordinate cross‑functional teams to advance complex deals in a fast‑moving market.

Ideal candidates have 3–7 years of private equity experience at a leading corporate law firm (AmLaw 100), a JD from an accredited school, and NY admission.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in New York.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well-written, error-free legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist or manage complex transactions from inception to resolution, including trial preparation, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships, providing support, updates, and advice.
• Collaborate with other lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative transaction strategies.
• Participate in high-level legal activities, including client calls, meetings, and negotiations.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Seek ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance legal knowledge and leadership skills.
• Engage in firm programs, community initiatives, pro bono work, and professional organizations.

Skills

Written & verbal

Research & analysis

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Teamwork & independence

Communication

Management

Education

JD from accredited law school

Job description

DLA Piper is a global law firm that values boldness, collaboration, and support. We provide a workplace where professionals can engage in meaningful work and advance their careers.

Summary

We are seeking private equity associates to join our New York office. Associates will advise strategic buyers and sellers or private‑equity firms on M&A matters in a fast‑growing market, with a focus on high‑profile transactions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well‑written, error‑free legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist or manage complex transactions from inception to resolution, including trial preparation, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities.
• Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships, providing support, updates, and advice.
• Collaborate with other lawyers and business professionals to develop innovative transaction strategies.
• Participate in high‑level legal activities, including client calls, meetings, and negotiations.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations.
• Seek ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance legal knowledge and leadership skills.
• Engage in firm programs, community initiatives, pro bono work, and professional organizations.

Desired Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and good business judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual and persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Minimum Education

JD degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state of New York.

Minimum Years of Experience

3–7 years of private equity experience at a leading corporate law firm (AmLaw 100 preferred).

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 products and meet deadlines.
• Foster positive work relationships and comply with firm policies.
• Engage in physical and sedentary activities, such as computer work, virtual conference calls, and meetings.
• Work under pressure, manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform additional duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work, occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.
• Limited requirement for walking and standing.

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule: regular in‑office presence with some flexibility for remote work.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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 veteran status.