Tax Associate - State and Local Tax

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.

DLA Piper is seeking a talented State & Local Tax (SALT) Associate to join our nationally recognized Tax practice. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a cross‑office team on complex state and local tax matters across industries and jurisdictions.

What You'll Do

As a SALT Associate, you will support clients on a broad range of state and local tax matters, including:

* Corporate income and franchise tax

* Sales and use tax

* Property tax

* Payroll and withholding tax

* Personal income tax

* Controversy, audit defense, and litigation support

* Tax planning, structuring, and transactional analysis

You will collaborate closely with partners and senior attorneys to deliver practical guidance, support multi‑state tax projects, and contribute to strategic client initiatives.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking candidates who bring a strong SALT foundation and the ability to manage sophisticated, multijurisdictional work.

Ideal qualifications include:

* 3-5 years of dedicated State and Local Tax experience

* Experience with corporate income and franchise tax, sales and use tax, property tax, payroll tax, and/or individual income tax matters

* Exposure to controversy or litigation (administrative or judicial) is a plus

* Experience with tax planning and restructuring matters preferred

* Strong research, writing, communication, and organizational skills

* Ability to work collaboratively across offices and disciplines

Responsibilities

* Responsibilities as an Associate will vary based on level of experience and specific practice group.

* Legal Research:
Conduct thorough and comprehensive legal research and analysis to support case/transaction preparation and strategy.

* Legal Writing:
Draft well-written, error free, and reasoned legal documents, including briefs, motions, contracts, and correspondence.

* Case/Transaction Assistance and Management:
Assist/Manage a variety of complex cases/transactions from inception to resolution including preparing for trials, negotiations, settlements, closings, and other legal activities while continuously demonstrating strong judgement.

* Internal/External Client Interaction:
Build, maintain, and cultivate strong internal and external client relationships by providing support, regular updates, advice, and addressing concerns promptly and with the utmost professionalism.

* Collaboration:

Work collaboratively with other lawyers and business professionals to support and develop innovative case/transaction strategies to achieve the most favorable outcomes for internal and external clients.

* Attend, support, and participate in high-level legal activities including court hearings, depositions, negotiations, trials, etc.

* Compliance:
Ensure rigorous compliance with legal standards and regulations, staying abreast of changes in law and legal precedents.

* Professional Development:
Proactively seek out and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your legal knowledge, practice technology, management, and leadership skills.

* Firm Citizenship and Community Involvement:
Engage in and contribute to; firm programs and initiatives; civic and professional organizations; pro bono work by providing legal assistance to underserved and underrepresented communities.

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.

Minimum Education

* JD

* Degree from an accredited law school.

Certifications

Admitted to practice in the state in which they are officing.

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…