Sr Land Use Planner

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 posterviewing center.
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.
If you are a highly talented Sr. Land Use Planner interested in supporting our Real Estate practice group, we want to hear from you!
This position is located in the Reston office.
Land Use Planners are a critical part of DLA Piper's client service teams, working side by side with lawyers, co-counsel, and clients on an array of substantive client matters. The majority of our paralegals are career professionals. They work independently and on teams, locally, nationally, and globally.
The paralegal team itself includes Case Assistants, Land Use Planners, Paralegals, Senior Paralegals, and Paralegal Specialists. We offer ample opportunities for advancement and career development through formal and informal training and mentoring, and provide many opportunities to give back to our communities through pro bono work.
Minimum Requirements:

• College degree and/or Paralegal certificate
• 10 years' experience in a law firm setting supporting a Real Estate practice group
• Experience requesting public records from public agencies, preparing and filing project application and effectuating permits in local and state jurisdictions
• Experience drafting findings and project descriptions, statements of justification, researching code sections, and reviewing environmental documents (EIR/MND)
• Work independently to managing large multi-disciplinary project teams and guiding them through the zoning entitlement process
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, excellent interpersonal skills, upbeat demeanor, and high energy.
• Ability to thrive in a team-oriented and collaborative working environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Requirements:

• AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners), PE (Professional Engineer), LS (Landscape Engineer), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
• 5 years' experience in a law, engineering, architectural firm setting or with federal, state or local governmental agency analyzing/supporting a Real Estate oriented practice group
• Experience drafting project descriptions, statements of justification, researching local Comprehensive/Master Plans, Zoning Ordinance code sections, and reviewing environmental and engineering documents/plans
• Experience communicating with clients, co-consultants (engineers, traffic consultants, architecture and planning firms, marketing and PR personnel), local/jurisdictional staff and appointed & elected officials
• Ability to work independently to manage large, multi-disciplinary project teams and guiding them through the due diligence, zoning & entitlement process
• Desire to expand professional skills
• Proficient in public speaking
• Legal software
• Large firm experience

What will your day look like?
Your day will be spent performing a range of substantive case, matter or entity related duties by supporting efforts between attorneys, clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed or elected officials.
Under the supervision of a lawyer, may draft and revise documents related to the acquisition, development, financing and disposition of real property across jurisdictions, as well as term sheets, LOI (Letter of Intent), leases, deed of dedication, easements and rights of way. You will prepare applications and supporting documentation for matters related to Land Use including zoning relief, local ordinances and property searches. Some of the work you will be responsible for includes coordinating the Municipal Lobbying Ordinance reporting process, assist with the entitlement process and transitional housing entitlement projects and assist with preparation, recording and filing of documents related to acquisition, development, finance and disposition of real property across jurisdictions.
We offer exceptional career opportunities in an environment that is challenging, rewarding, and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. Our employees enjoy a competitive benefits package and a dynamic and diverse environment in which they can build a long and fruitful career and reap the rewards of their success.
To learn more about DLA Piper, please visit our website.
We offer exceptional career opportunities in an environment that is challenging, rewarding, and, we believe, truly different from our competitors. Our employees enjoy a competitive benefits package and a dynamic and diverse environment in which they can build a long and fruitful career and reap the rewards of their success.
General & 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;
• 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, Work Environment, and Other Requirements
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.
Application Process:
If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process or have any questions about the process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com. Please add noreply@dlapipercareers.us to your list of safe senders.
Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email.
Agency applications will not be considered.