Associate - Litigation (Product Liability)

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 an associate with strong legal writing skills particularly in the area of pharmaceutical/medical device Daubert / Rule 702 motions practice to join its Litigation group. This position is open to any of our U.S. offices.

Education

• JD

• Strong academic credentials from nationally recognized schools

Bar Admission

• Admitted to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are applying

• Candidates licensed to practice law in New York are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Communicating with clients

• Supervising associates

• Working with experts

• Assisting with fact development and depositions

• Reviewing and drafting discovery responses, briefs, motions, and memoranda

• Helping develop case strategy

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of litigation experience (preferably gained while practicing at an AmLaw 100 firm)

• Extensive experience writing briefs, including specifically Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence and Daubert issues

• Experience with products liability litigation

• Experience with pharmaceutical and medical device industry a plus

Job Competencies & Desired Skills

• Strong analytical and writing skills

• Attention to detail

• Good business judgment

• Excellent organizational skills

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills

• Research and problem-solving skills

• Conceptual thinking

• Ability to influence others

• Persuasive communication

• Management skills

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize

• Strong project management skills 

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 needed;

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment;

• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned;

• Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Other Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment

• Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $250,000-$370,000 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).

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]. 
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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.