Structured Finance Associate (Multi-City)

DLA Piper; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its finance group, focusing on CMBS transactions in a collaborative, multi-office environment in the United States.

The role involves legal research, drafting briefs and contracts, managing transactions from inception to closing, and building strong client relationships while adhering to firm policies and professional standards. Hybrid work arrangements apply with regular in-office presence.

Qualifications

• JD or degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in the state where office is located.
• 2+ years of experience at a law firm; CMBS/structured finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft legal documents including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• Assist/manage complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution with strong judgement.
• Build and maintain client relationships with regular updates, advice, and professionalism.
• Collaborate with lawyers and professionals to develop innovative strategies for favorable outcomes.
• Attend and participate in high‑level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, and trials.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and firm policies.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance legal knowledge and leadership skills.
• Engage in firm citizenship and pro‑bono work as appropriate.

Skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Judgment

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Persuasive communication

Management skills

Education

JD

Law degree

Job description

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its finance group, structured finance subgroup and focus on transactions involving commercial-mortgage-backed securities (CMBS). This position is open to all of our offices in the U.S.

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

• At least 2 years of experience working with a law firm. A candidate with experience in commercial real estate finance, CMBS, structured finance or securities offering is preferred but not required.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 law firm preferred but not required.

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.

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 $235,000 - $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.

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 status as a protected veteran.