DLA Piper LLP (US) · San Francisco, CA

M&A Associate (San Francisco or Palo Alto) at DLA Piper LLP (US) — San Francisco, CA

Full-timeSan Francisco, CA$225,000–$260,000/yearPosted 2026-07-13Apply on Workday

Full job description

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking an associate to join its growing Corporate M&A group in our San Francisco or Palo Alto offices. The ideal candidate will have experience executing merger and acquisition transactions for private and public companies. Some exposure to capital markets matters, such as public offerings, SEC reporting, or related securities work, or growth equity, corporate venture capital and other investor-side EGVC, may be involved in this position. Candidates should have relevant law firm experience, a commitment to mastering M&A and the other areas of their practice in a dynamic and high-stakes environment, and strong academic credentials from nationally recognized institutions.

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.

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.

Minimum Education

  • JD
  • Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

  • Admitted to practice in the state of California

Minimum Years of Experience

  • 1-3 years of corporate experience.
  • Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm and experience preferred.

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 CorporateTalent@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 CorporateTalent@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 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).

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