Government Contracts Associate (Aerospace, Defense & Next-Generation Energy)

DLA Piper is a collaborative and supportive firm seeking an associate to join their practice focused on the Aerospace, Defense, and Next-Generation Energy sectors. The role involves drafting and negotiating complex contracts, licenses, and developmental agreements, while also supporting transactional matters and engaging in disputes and investigations.

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

Skills

• 1-3 years of direct and applicable experience in an AmLaw 100 firm
• JD
• Minimum GPA of 3.5
• Degree from an accredited law school
• Admitted to the DC Bar or ability to gain admission
• 1 year of relevant experience in the Aerospace, Defense, and Next-Generation Energy sectors
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience
• 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
• 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 working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing
• Participate in digital/virtual conference calls
• Participate 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
• Prior experience in the Aerospace, Defense, or Next-Generation Energy sectors is encouraged
• Prior non-legal experience in a client advisory role is also encouraged

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• 401(k)

Company Overview

Company H1B Sponsorship