Restructuring Associate (Multi-Office)

DLA Piper•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking a restructuring associate to join its finance group. The position is open in the Chicago, New York, and Wilmington offices. The associate will represent and advise companies experiencing financial difficulties, lenders, and creditors in complex business reorganizations, debt restructurings, and financing matters, ideally with debtor-side experience. The role includes core associate responsibilities such as legal research and analysis, legal writing and drafting, client service, collaboration, professional judgment, compliance, ongoing professional development, and participation in firm and community initiatives. It also includes managing and supporting transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing, conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, advising on transaction structure and legal and business considerations, supporting deal execution, participating in negotiations, coordinating closings, and advising on regulatory, governance, and compliance matters. The position offers the opportunity for a hybrid arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion. The work is primarily sedentary, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 10 pounds, occasional walking and standing, and occasional domestic and international travel.

Requirements

JD degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to practice in the state in which the candidate will be working.
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.
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 communicate effectively, meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, produce high-quality work, and maintain confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

Debtor-side restructuring experience.
Experience at a direct and applicable 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 work product.
Build and maintain internal and external client relationships by providing 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.
Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards.
Participate in ongoing training and development.
Contribute to firm initiatives, professional organizations, community service, and pro bono programs.
Manage and support complex domestic and cross-border transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing activities.
Conduct legal due diligence, analyze findings, identify risks, and make practical recommendations to clients.
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 communication 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.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams and business professionals to deliver integrated solutions.
Communicate effectively, produce high-quality work, respond to correspondence efficiently and professionally, meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, comply with firm policies, and maintain confidences.