Venture & Growth Finance Associate

DLA Piper•San Diego, CA

1d•$235,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLA Piper is seeking a Finance associate to join its Venture & Growth subgroup in the San Diego, San Francisco, or Los Angeles office. Candidates must have at least two years of lender-side commercial finance experience and be admitted, or eligible for admission, in the jurisdiction where they apply. Experience representing banks and/or private credit funds on loans to technology, life sciences, and/or middle market companies is preferred. The associate will conduct legal research and analysis; draft legal documents, correspondence, memoranda, and other work product; maintain client relationships; collaborate with colleagues across practices and offices; exercise sound professional judgment; and comply with legal, regulatory, ethical, and professional standards. The role also involves ongoing professional development and contributing to firm initiatives, professional organizations, community service, and pro bono programs. For transactional matters, the associate will manage and support complex domestic and cross-border matters from inception through closing and post-closing. Duties include due diligence, risk analysis, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, advising on transaction structure and strategic considerations, coordinating deal execution, participating in negotiations, managing closings, and advising on regulatory, governance, and compliance matters. The position is primarily sedentary and may involve occasional domestic and international travel. A hybrid arrangement combining remote and in-office work may be available; the specific arrangement is determined at hiring and may be modified at the firm’s discretion.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of lender-side representation experience in commercial finance matters.
JD degree from an accredited law school.
Admitted to practice, or eligible for admission, in the jurisdiction where applying.
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 and persuasive communication.
Management skills.
Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 firm experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience representing banks and/or private credit funds on loans to technology, life sciences, and/or middle market companies.

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.
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 activities, 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 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 communication among transaction parties.
Participate in negotiations with clients, counterparties, lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate and manage 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 procedures, and maintain confidences.