Corporate M&A Associate (San Diego)

About the role

DLA Piper is seeking a mid-level associate to join our growing corporate group in the San Diego office. The candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of experience executing merger and acquisitions transactions for private and public companies, with a desired emphasis on drafting principal acquisition agreements and direct negotiation thereof. Candidates must have direct and applicable big law firm experience, immediately transferable skills and strong academic backgrounds from nationally recognized schools. Candidates must be admitted to practice in California.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.
• Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.
• Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.
• 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.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice in California.
• 4-6 years of M&A experience with private and public companies.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 law firm preferred.
• Experience in complex cross-border transactions and global corporate restructurings is preferred but not required.

Pay & benefits

The firm's expected hiring range for this position is $310,000 - $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). Non-California applicants who apply for this California-based role do so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance.