Corporate Environmental Associate

About the role

DLA Piper is seeking a mid‑level associate to join its Corporate Environmental practice group, with a focus on supporting corporate, finance, and real estate transactions. This position is open in our New York, Washington, D.C., Boston and Philadelphia 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 transaction preparation and strategy.
• Legal Writing: Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including memos, contracts, and correspondence.
• Transaction Assistance and Management: Assist/Manage a variety of complex 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 transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.
• Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including client calls and meetings, negotiations, 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.
• Job Competencies & Desired Skills
• Strong background in environmental law as it applies to corporate, finance, and real estate transactions, including environmental due diligence, risk allocation, and disclosure matters.
• Experience advising on environmental matters in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, securities offerings, and financing transactions, including support for issuers and underwriters.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, including TSCA, CAA, CWA, CERCLA, RCRA, and related ESG, climate change, and sustainability considerations.
• Experience assisting clients with environmental disclosure obligations in SEC filings and other public reporting.
• Ability to support brownfield redevelopment, remediation strategy, and environmental risk management in transactional settings.
• Familiarity with coordinating matters involving EPA and state environmental agencies; experience responding to environmental incidents or releases (including PFAS‑related issues) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex environmental issues into practical, business‑focused advice.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to work both collaboratively in cross‑disciplinary teams and independently on sophisticated matters.
• Minimum Education
• JD
• Degree from an accredited law school.
• Certifications
• Admitted to practice in the state in which you are officing.
• Minimum Years of Experience
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• Prior law firm and/or government agency experience preferred.
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience preferred.
• Essential Job Expectations
• While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:
• 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 ne

Benefits

Additional Information

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.

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