Associate - AI

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

The AI practice is seeking an associate with 2–4 years of experience to support a rapidly growing docket of AI-focused advisory, regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters. The role emphasizes regulatory and advisory work and corporate transactions. The role is open to both litigation-focused candidates and strong corporate candidates interested in a mix of corporate and litigation/regulatory work. This is a substantive, client-facing role with early responsibility and direct exposure to cutting-edge issues at the intersection of AI, regulation, and business.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on AI governance, regulatory compliance, and risk, including emerging AI transparency, disclosure, and related regulatory regimes;

• Monitor and analyze developments in AI law and regulation and translate them into practical, client-ready guidance;

• Support AI-related corporate and technology transactions, including due diligence, drafting and negotiating agreements, and identifying and mitigating AI-specific risks in deals;

• Develop subject matter expertise on AI issues in the corporate transactional context and serve as a resource to deal teams across the firm;

• Conduct legal research and draft well-reasoned briefs, motions, memoranda, and correspondence in support of litigation and regulatory matters;

• Support fact development, discovery, depositions, and case strategy across a range of litigation and regulatory investigations;

• Build and maintain strong client relationships and collaborate across the firm's AI, litigation, and corporate teams.

Qualifications.

• J.D. with strong academic credentials from a nationally recognized law school;

• 2–4 years of relevant experience, preferably gained at an AmLaw 100 / top-tier firm;

• Experience across regulatory/advisory, corporate transactional, or litigation matters; candidates should be open to a mix of corporate and litigation/regulatory work;

• Excellent legal writing and analytical skills; demonstrated ability to produce polished, error-free work product;

• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively;

• Genuine interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technology; prior exposure to AI, regulatory, or transactional matters is a plus;

• Admission (or eligibility for admission) in the relevant jurisdiction.

Education

• JD

Bar Admission

• Admission in the bar for the jurisdiction in which you are applying

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.

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

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process
All candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, transcript, and a writing sample not substantially edited by anyone other than the applicant.
Please apply online if you are a direct applicant.  Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.  If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or if you have any questions about the process, please contact [email protected].  Please add [email protected] to your list of safe senders. 

 
Search Firms 

Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration.  If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal.  If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to [email protected].

Pay Transparency 

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $235,000 - $310,000 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).

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.

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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. Job applicant poster viewing center.