National Security & Global Trade Associate (DC)

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Summary

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.

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.

Education

• JD from an accredited law school, with strong academic credentials.

Bar Admission

• Admitted to practice in the jurisdiction in which you are applying

Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Experience

• 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.

Desired Skills

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.

Essential Job Expectations

While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to:

• 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.

Our employees are expected to embrace and uphold our firm values as a part of our DLA Piper culture. We are committed to excellence in how we represent our clients and develop our people.

Physical Demands
Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Work Environment-The firm's work location requirements may be modified at the firm's discretion

• Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process
Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact

RegulatoryandGovAffairsTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Search Firms 

Per the terms of our agreement, all candidates must be submitted through the firm’s agency portal for consideration. If you have an agreement with the firm, please log in to the agency portal.  If you do not have an agreement with us and would like us to consider candidates, please send a blind candidate profile to RegulatoryandGovAffairsTalent@us.dlapiper.com.

Pay Transparency 

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $260,000 - $310,000 per year depending on the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k). 

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.