Senior Executive Assistant

DLA Piper•New York, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together. Summary The Senior Executive Assistant, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, provides trusted, strategic, and highly confidential executive support to the firm’s most senior global leaders. This role functions as an extension of leadership, exercising exceptional judgment, discretion, and situational awareness while managing complex priorities in a global, client‑facing environment. The Senior Executive Assistant anticipates executive needs, proactively aligns stakeholders, and enables leaders to operate at maximum effectiveness. The role requires executive‑level presence, deep understanding of firm operations, sophisticated client and internal relationships, and the ability to navigate high‑visibility matters with precision and professionalism. Responsibilities include managing complex global calendars and travel, preparing executive‑level communications and materials, coordinating priority initiatives, and serving as a key liaison with partners, clients, and senior stakeholders across the firm.

Requirements

Advanced professional competence, sound judgment, and executive‑level presence in supporting the firm’s most senior global leaders.
Exceptional discretion in handling highly confidential and firm‑critical matters.
Ability to anticipate risks and priorities, and confidence operating independently in fast‑paced, high‑visibility situations.
Strong strategic thinking, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities, and global schedules.
Business and client acumen, and understanding of the operational and financial considerations that impact senior leadership.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong digital fluency.
Proactive, adaptable, and solution‑oriented approach.
Consistent commitment to professionalism, accountability, and excellence.
High School Diploma or GED.
10+ years’ experience providing executive‑level administrative and strategic support to senior leaders or C‑suite executives, preferably within a law firm or similarly complex professional services environment.
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 our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a primary strategic partner and advisor to senior global leader, exercising sound judgment and discretion in handling highly sensitive, confidential, and time‑critical matters that impact firm leadership and operations.
Operates with executive‑level presence, representing firm leadership with professionalism and credibility in interactions with partners, clients, senior business professionals, and external stakeholders.
Anticipates leadership needs and proactively manages priorities, risks, and deadlines in a fast‑paced, global environment, often with incomplete information and competing demands.
Develops and sustains high‑trust relationships across the firm, facilitating collaboration and alignment among partners, executive leadership, and key functional teams to support strategic initiatives.
Prepares and refines executive‑level communications, presentations, reports, and briefing materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and appropriate tone for internal and external audiences, including clients.
Manages and prioritizes complex global calendars, coordinating high‑stake meetings across time zones, resolving conflicts, and ensuring leaders are thoroughly prepared for all engagements.
Oversees sophisticated global travel arrangements, including frequent and complex travel, often involving clients or firm leadership, ensuring seamless execution and contingency planning.
Acts as a central point of coordination for executive meetings, firm initiatives, events, and retreats, managing logistics, agendas, materials, and follow‑up to ensure successful outcomes.
Exercises independent judgment in responding to communications on behalf of firm leaders, including direct engagement with clients and senior internal stakeholders.
Partners closely with finance, billing, and other operational teams on matters impacting partner financial performance, budgets, and client deliverables, providing timely insight and coordination.
Reviews and supports contract proposals, project budgets, and cost analyses related to executive initiatives, ensuring alignment with firm objectives.
Maintains information and documents in compliance with Information Governance and confidentiality standards, recognizing the heightened sensitivity of leadership and client matters.
Navigates complex organizational dynamics with diplomacy, discretion, and situational awareness, effectively managing competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Performs additional responsibilities as required to support the evolving needs of senior global firm leadership.