DLA Piper LLP (US) · Washington, DC

National Security & Global Trade Associate at DLA Piper LLP (US) — Washington, DC

Full-timeWashington, DC$225,000–$260,000/yearPosted 2026-07-14Apply on Workday

Full job description

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a junior associate with 1-3 years of experience to join its National Security and Global Trade practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong customs and import compliance background and experience advising clients on U.S. and multinational trade regulatory matters. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-impact customs matters for global clients in a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

The associate will work closely with partners and associates on a wide range of matters, including:

  • Advising clients on U.S. customs laws and regulations, including classification, valuation, country of origin, marking, and preference programs
  • Counseling on import compliance programs, supply chain optimization, and tariff mitigation strategies
  • Representing clients in matters before U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including binding rulings, protests, audits, prior disclosures, and enforcement actions
  • Litigating customs cases at the Court of International Trade
  • Drafting memoranda, submissions, compliance policies, and client alerts
  • Contributing to business development initiatives and thought leadership within the practice

Education

  • JD from an accredited law school

Bar Admission

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

Qualifications

  • 1-3 years of relevant experience in national security and global trade, with a demonstrated focus on customs and import compliance
  • Prior experience at an AmLaw firm, boutique trade firm, government agency, or in-house environment dealing with customs matters
  • Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively in a team-based, fast-paced environment
  • Experience interacting with CBP or other U.S. government agencies preferred

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.

Essential Job Expectations

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

Disclaimer

Application Process Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact

RegulatoryandGovAffairsTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

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 RegulatoryandGovAffairsTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $225,000 - $260,000 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).

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