Trade and Government Affairs Associate/Senior Associate

DLA Piper’s UK Trade and Government Affairs (TGA) team advises on all aspects of sanctions, export controls, customs, trade remedies, and FTA/WTO advisory, including representing clients in voluntary disclosures and enforcement actions. It works closely with the Corporate Crime and Investigations team given the growing cross‑over between sanctions, anti‑money laundering and investigations work. The TGA team is one of the leading international trade law teams in the UK and works closely across DLA Piper’s global platform, particularly with our lawyers in Washington D.C., Brussels, Singapore and Dubai.

We are currently recruiting for an England & Wales qualified Solicitor to join the TGA team in the UK. The role can be based in any of our UK offices but will also require travel to client sites and our other international offices from time to time. The role will involve advising on a combination of customs, WTO trade advisory and trade remedies, but also on sanctions and export controls depending on the successful applicant’s experience and client demand.

• Advising on UK trade remedies mandates
• Advising on UK customs laws and regulations and representing clients in related audits
• Advising on compliance with Free Trade Agreements and WTO Agreements, including advice to UK Government departments
• Advising on UK and EU export control laws and regulations
• Advising on UK and EU financial and trade sanctions laws and regulations

We’re proud of our collaborative and supportive environment, and we’re looking for approachable lawyers with strong potential, who communicate effectively, demonstrate sound professional judgement, and can present ideas and advise stakeholders.

• Be a qualified Solicitor or Employed Barrister.
• Be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the technical issues in one or more of the areas of practice listed above that are key to clients.
• Experience of working as a legal adviser within the UK Civil Service in the field of trade remedies or international trade and/or trade compliance will be an advantage.
• Have experience working across jurisdictions and advising international clients.
• Be capable of building and developing their own network of internal and external contacts.
• Be able to draft documents using a commercial, client focused style.
• Comply with professional standards and all relevant regulatory obligations.
• Comply with the firm’s systems, policies and procedures in all matters – including compliance, financial systems and time recording.
• Know and understand how to best utilise information and research resources.

• A values-based approach – the candidate should be bold, supportive, collaborative and exceptional.
• Commercially astute and stays current on key legal and business news.
• Excellent skills in communication, client relations and team-working.
• A proactive, self-driven, entrepreneurial and innovative outlook.
• Provides a professional, quality service in a timely manner, and responds effectively to requests from internal and external clients.
• Understands positive client support.
• Creates confidence in the team and the firm.
• Works co‑operatively in a team, sharing information and knowledge.
• Manages time effectively and efficiently.
• Seeks to manage own utilisation wherever possible in order to meet individual and team targets.
• Takes ownership for achieving agreed objectives.
• Recognises and seizes opportunities for the firm, including repeat business.
• Builds and develops own network of internal and external contacts.
• Develops an awareness of business development initiatives and identifies ways to contribute.
• Maintains a controlled, objective and flexible approach under pressure.
• Exhibits behaviour consistent with the firm’s values and builds relationships based on respect, trust and integrity.

We offer excellent training, learning and development programmes, as well as a genuine opportunity to experience a wide range of work and clients in a friendly, supportive environment.

We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify. We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre‑engagement screening checks prior to your first day.