Structured Finance Associate (Multi-City)

DLA Piper; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper seeks an associate to join its finance group, in the structured finance subgroup, with openings in Los Angeles. The role involves legal research, drafting briefs and contracts, and managing complex transactions from inception to close.

Minimum 3–6 years in structured finance or asset-based lending; AmLaw 100 exposure preferred. Hybrid in-office work with flexible arrangements is offered.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication, strong research and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail and good professional judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research to support case/transaction preparation.
• Draft legal documents including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution.
• Interact with internal/external clients and maintain relationships.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to develop strategies.
• Attend hearings, negotiations, and trials as needed.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and precedents.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and training.
• Support firm citizenship and pro bono initiatives.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Client relations

Collaboration

Negotiation

Education

JD

Job description

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its finance group, structured finance subgroup. This position is open to our Boston, Los Angeles, and New York offices.

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.

Minimum Education

• JD
• Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which they are officing.

Minimum Years Of Experience

• 3-6 years of structured finance, securitization and/or asset‑based lending experience.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 law firm 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 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

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.

Pay Transparency

3: $260,000 - $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.