Private Equity Attorney (Professional Track) (Chicago)

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 entry-level attorneys to join our Private Equity practice in the Fall of 2026 in our Chicago office. Applicants should be current third year law students with an anticipated graduation date of spring 2026. We are seeking exceptional law students with an entrepreneurial mindset, who are motivated to build their legal skills and gain insight into client needs. We value innovators and creative thinkers. If you thrive on challenge and value teamwork, we want to hear from you.

This is a non-partnership track position which will allow you to participate in a comprehensive training and development program and work on client projects across cutting-edge practices, industries and borders, while having a reduced billable hours requirement. As part of this program, you will be immediately integrated into a practice group and be part of a team. You will have the opportunity to support causes that impact our clients and better our communities through the firm’s commitment to pro bono.

Responsibilities

• These expectations include, but are not limited to, the lawyer’s ability to:
• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with partners, lawyers, clients, staff, and third parties;
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner, meeting all deadlines and expectations;
• Analyze complex legal issues in a logical manner, applying legal principles and research to specific facts;
• Provide timely, accurate, and well-reasoned work product;
• Be available whenever needed to ensure timely delivery of services, including during business hours, evenings, and weekends;
• Apply sustained and intense concentration for extended periods of time;
• Work under pressure to meet deadlines and perform to the satisfaction of clients and colleagues;
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; participating in telephonic conferences; and participating in meetings at client offices and at the Firm;
• Travel, as required by the Firm or client, such as to client meetings, to engage in advocacy before a tribunal or government agency, or to participate in business development activities;
• Foster relationships and anticipate clients’ needs to achieve continued engagement;
• Mentor and supervise junior lawyers and staff; and
• Observe all Firm policies and practices, as may be in effect from time to time.

Desired Skills

In addition to the general job specifications outlined above, lawyers are expected to demonstrate a level of proficiency commensurate with their position and experience in the core competencies summarized below.

• Professional Excellence: Oral communications, writing, analysis and strategic thinking, legal knowledge and expertise.
• Client Impact: Solution orientation, project management, service quality and orientation. initiative and ownership.
• Effectiveness: self-awareness, relationship building, people management, team building and inclusion.
• Leadership: Entrepreneurship, business development, career commitment, professionalism and integrity.

Minimum Education

• Current third year law students with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2026

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. Please include a copy of your resume, transcript, and a cover letter when applying. 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 P rivateEquityTalent@us.dlapiper.com .

Direct applicants only. No third-party submissions.

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring pay for this position is $150,000 - $165,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including 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).

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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 .