Venture & Growth Finance Associate

DLA Piper LLP; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Finance associate to join its Venture & Growth subgroup in the San Diego, San Francisco, or Los Angeles office. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of lender-side representation for commercial finance matters, with experience representing banks or private credit funds on loans to technology, life sciences, and/or middle-market companies.

Must be admitted in the relevant jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• Two years of lender-side representation for commercial finance matters.
• Experience representing banks or private credit funds on loans to tech or life sciences companies.
• Admitted to practice in the jurisdiction where applying.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and analysis to support client matters and strategy.
• Prepare clear, accurate legal documents and draftings.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships with responsive service.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Coordinate and manage complex domestic and cross-border matters through closing.

Skills

Written communication

Research abilities

Analytical thinking

Professional judgment

Collaboration

Education

JD

Law degree from accredited 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.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a Finance associate to join its Venture & Growth subgroup in our San Diego, San Francisco, or Los Angeles office. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of lender-side representation for commercial finance matters. Experience representing banks and/or private credit funds on loans to technology, life sciences and/or middle market companies is preferred. Candidates must be admitted or to the jurisdiction in which applying.

Responsibilities

• Core Associate Responsibilities:
  • Legal Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough legal research and analysis to support client matters, legal strategy, and decision-making.
  • Legal Writing and Drafting: Prepare clear, accurate, and well-reasoned legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and other work product.
  • Client Service and Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong internal and external client relationships by delivering responsive, practical, and high-quality legal services.
  • Collaboration: Work collaboratively with lawyers and business professionals across practices and offices to support client objectives and achieve favorable outcomes.
  • Professional Judgment: Exercise sound professional judgment, identify legal and business risks, and develop practical solutions to complex issues.
  • Compliance and Ethics: Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards.
  • Professional Development: Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance legal, business, leadership, and technology skills.
  • Firm Citizenship and Community Engagement: Contribute to firm initiatives, professional organizations, community service activities, and pro bono programs.
• Transactions Associate Responsibilities:
  • Manage and support complex domestic and cross-border corporate, finance, real estate, tax, employment, and other transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing activities.
  • Conduct legal due diligence, analyze findings, identify risks, and develop practical recommendations for clients.
  • Draft, review, negotiate, and revise contracts, transaction documents, disclosure schedules, and ancillary agreements.
  • Structure transactions and provide strategic advice regarding legal, regulatory, business, and operational considerations.
  • Support deal execution, including managing timelines, coordinating workstreams, and facilitating communication among transaction parties.
  • Participate in negotiations with clients, counterparties, lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
  • Coordinate and manage transaction closings, including closing documentation, signatures, funds flow, and post-closing obligations.
  • Analyze and advise on applicable regulatory requirements, governance matters, and compliance considerations affecting transactions.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams and business professionals to deliver integrated solutions that support client objectives and successful transaction outcomes.

Skills And Competencies

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
• Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

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

Years Of Experience

• A minimum of two years of experience.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm and experience.

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Work Environment

The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion.

• Opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion.

Disclaimer

This job description provides a concise overview of the role and is not intended to describe all work elements that may be performed. It should not serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions. Job duties, requirements, and expectations may be modified at the firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not alter the at-will nature of employment.

We are committed to excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people.

Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position or participate in the selection process. For accommodation requests, please contact [e-mail].

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $235,000 - $260,000 per year depending on 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).

Non-California applicants who apply for this California-based role do so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. 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.