National Security & Global Trade Associate

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

DLA Piper is seeking a midlevel associate with 4–6 years of experience to join its National Security and Global Trade practice. The ideal candidate will have a strong customs and import compliance background and experience advising clients on U.S. and multinational trade regulatory matters. This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-impact matters for global clients in a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

The associate will work closely with partners and senior associates on a wide range of matters, including:

• Advising clients on U.S. customs laws and regulations, including classification, valuation, country of origin, marking, and preference programs
• Counseling on import compliance programs, supply chain optimization, and tariff mitigation strategies
• Representing clients in matters before U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including binding rulings, protests, audits, prior disclosures, and enforcement actions
• Litigation customs cases at the Court of International Trade
• Drafting memoranda, submissions, compliance policies, and client alerts
• Contributing to business development initiatives and thought leadership within the practice

This position is open for the Washington, D.C. or New York offices of DLA Piper, with a preference for Washington, D.C.

Education

• JD from an accredited law school

Bar Admission

• Licensed to practice in DC or NY (or ability to waive in)

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of relevant experience in national security and global trade, with a demonstrated focus on customs and import compliance
• Prior experience at an AmLaw firm, boutique trade firm, government agency, or in-house environment dealing with customs matters
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters and work effectively in a team-based, fast-paced environment
• Experience interacting with CBP or other U.S. government agencies preferred

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