Restructuring Associate (Multi-Office)

DLA Piper•Chicago, IL

16h•$260,000 - $365,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking a restructuring associate to join its finance group. The role is open in the Chicago, New York, and Wilmington offices, with the opportunity for a hybrid arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific work arrangement will be determined at hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion. The associate will advise companies experiencing financial difficulties, lenders, and creditors in complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings, and financing matters. The firm seeks candidates with 3–5 years of restructuring experience, ideally including debtor-side experience, and prefers direct and applicable experience at an AmLaw 100 law firm. The position also involves the firm's core associate and transactions responsibilities, including legal research and drafting, client service, collaboration, and support of complex domestic and cross-border matters. The associate is expected to exercise sound professional judgment, communicate effectively, meet deadlines, comply with firm policies and professional standards, and maintain confidences. The role is primarily sedentary, with occasional lifting or moving of objects up to 10 pounds, occasional walking and standing, and occasional domestic and international travel. The stated hiring range is $260,000–$365,000 per year, depending on geographic market and candidate qualifications. The firm offers medical, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k). The position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship or support. Applicants not based in the jurisdiction where the position is posted are not eligible for relocation assistance unless relocation is required at the firm's direction under applicable policy and law.

Requirements

3–5 years of restructuring experience representing and advising companies experiencing financial difficulties, lenders, and creditors in complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings, and financing matters.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice in the state in which the candidate will be working.
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 and ability to influence others.
Persuasive communication and management skills.
Ability to meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, maintain professional standards, and keep confidences.

Nice To Haves

Debtor-side restructuring experience.
Direct and applicable experience at an AmLaw 100 law firm.

Responsibilities

Conduct legal research and analysis to support client matters, legal strategy, and decision-making.
Prepare legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and other written work product.
Build and maintain internal and external client relationships by delivering responsive, practical, high-quality legal services.
Collaborate with lawyers and business professionals across practices and offices to support client objectives.
Exercise sound professional judgment, identify legal and business risks, and develop practical solutions to complex issues.
Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards.
Participate in ongoing training and development.
Contribute to firm initiatives, professional organizations, community service activities, and pro bono programs.
Manage and support complex domestic and cross-border corporate, finance, real estate, tax, employment, and other transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing activities.
Conduct legal due diligence, analyze findings, identify risks, and develop practical client recommendations.
Draft, review, negotiate, and revise contracts, transaction documents, disclosure schedules, and ancillary agreements.
Structure transactions and advise on legal, regulatory, business, and operational considerations.
Support deal execution by managing timelines, coordinating workstreams, and facilitating communications among transaction parties.
Participate in negotiations with clients, counterparties, lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate transaction closings, including closing documentation, signatures, funds flow, and post-closing obligations.
Analyze and advise on regulatory requirements, governance matters, and compliance considerations affecting transactions.
Communicate effectively with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences; produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence efficiently and professionally.
Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, comply with firm policies and procedures, and maintain confidences.