National Security & Global Trade Associate (DC)

DLA Piper•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking a 3rd–4th year associate to join its National Security and Global Trade practice. The role is ideal for an associate with experience advising on U.S. economic sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, and national security–related issues arising in corporate and financial transactions. The successful candidate will work closely with lawyers across the firm’s corporate, private equity, finance, government investigations, and regulatory teams on complex, cross‑border matters for leading multinational clients. This position is open to all U.S. offices, with a preference for Washington, D.C.

Requirements

JD from an accredited law school, with strong academic credentials.
Admitted to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are applying.
3–4 years of relevant experience at a law firm or in‑house, with a focus on international trade, sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, or national security matters.
Experience supporting transactions involving trade or national security considerations, including diligence and risk assessment.
Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
Admission to practice (or eligibility for admission) in the relevant jurisdiction.
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.
Embrace and uphold firm values as a part of DLA Piper culture.

Nice To Haves

Experience advising on cross‑border M&A, private equity, or investment transactions.
Familiarity with global compliance programs and multinational risk frameworks.
Prior experience with U.S. government agencies or regulators (e.g., Treasury, Commerce, Defense, State, DOJ) is a plus.
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.

Responsibilities

Advise clients on U.S. economic sanctions (OFAC), including compliance counseling, risk assessments, licensing matters, and enforcement‑related issues.
Counsel on export controls, including matters arising under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and, where applicable, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Support CFIUS and national security reviews, including transaction structuring, preparation of filings, mitigation analysis, and coordination with U.S. government agencies.
Conduct sanctions, export control, and national security diligence in connection with mergers, acquisitions, investments, joint ventures, financings, and other strategic transactions.
Draft and review compliance policies, disclosures, contractual provisions, and representations relating to trade and national security risks.
Assist with internal investigations, voluntary disclosures, and responses to government inquiries involving trade and national security matters.
Collaborate with colleagues across offices and practice groups on multidisciplinary matters.