Entry-Level Investment Funds Associate (3L Hire)

DLA Piper•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking an entry-level associate to join its Investment Funds group in Chicago in the fall of 2027. Applicants should be current third-year law students expecting to graduate in spring 2027. The firm seeks exceptional law students with an entrepreneurial mindset who are motivated to develop their legal skills and gain insight into client needs, and who value challenge and teamwork. The role requires effective verbal and written communication with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties; efficient and responsive handling of deliverables, phone calls, and correspondence; and timely, accurate, high-quality work. Associates are expected to meet deadlines and expectations, foster positive work relationships, comply with firm policies, work under pressure while managing competing demands, and perform other assigned duties. Employees are expected to uphold the firm’s values and commitment to excellence in client representation and professional development. The position involves both physical and sedentary activity, including extended computer use, on-screen reading and typing, digital or virtual conference calls, and meetings. The work is sedentary most of the time. The role is hybrid, requiring regular in-office presence with some flexibility to work from home; the firm may modify work-location requirements at its discretion. The expected salary is $225,000 per year, depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k).

Requirements

Current third-year law student with an anticipated spring 2027 graduation date.
JD degree from an accredited law school.
Minimum one year of experience.
Strong analytical and writing skills.
Attention to detail and 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 and communicate persuasively.
Management skills.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
Produce deliverables and respond to phone calls and correspondence efficiently and responsively.
Provide timely, accurate, and high-quality work product.
Meet deadlines and expectations and perform required work duties.
Foster positive work relationships and comply with firm policies and practices.
Manage competing demands and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Perform other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.
Uphold the firm’s values and commitment to excellence in client representation and developing its people.