As a Land Use Planner, Under the supervision of attorneys, you will perform a range of substantive case, matter or entity related duties, working independently to manage large multi-disciplinary project teams and guide them through the zoning entitlement process. You will coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed or elected officials. You will prepare applications and supporting documentation for matters related to land use including zoning... more details
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.
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 Land Use Planner, we want to hear from you!
This position is located in our Reston, VA 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
- 3 years’ experience supporting a Real Estate practice group, a municipal or private-sector setting fulfilling a land use and planning role, or a combination thereof
- Experience requesting public records from public agencies, preparing and filing project application packages and effectuating permits in specific jurisdictions
- Experience drafting findings and project descriptions, statements of justification, researching code section and Reviewing land use comprehensive plans
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
- Excellent communication skills to interact with clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed/elected officials
- Ability to work independently to manage large multi-disciplinary project teams and guide them through the zoning entitlement process
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Requirements:
- A college or advanced degree in Planning
- AICP certification or a Paralegal certificate
- Experience working in a law firm
What will your day look like?
As a Land Use Planner, Under the supervision of attorneys, you will perform a range of substantive case, matter or entity related duties, working independently to manage large multi-disciplinary project teams and guide them through the zoning entitlement process. You will coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed or elected officials.
You will prepare applications and supporting documentation for matters related to land use including zoning relief, zoning changes, zoning approvals, local ordinances, and property searches. You will draft findings and project descriptions, statements of justification, research code sections, and review land use and comprehensive plans. You will review and provide direction to technical consultants such as architects and surveyors regarding the form of zoning exhibits and plats and coordinate the state and local lobbying ordinance registration and reporting process. You will prepare economic disclosure statements and affidavits, including city and county ownership affidavits and disclosures. You will interact with municipal staff to submit and monitor the review of zoning and land use applications, and, under supervision of a lawyer, respond to questions and requests from municipal staff in the course of reviewing zoning and land use applications.
Additionally, you will assist with the preparation, recording, and filing of documents related to the acquisition, development, finance, and disposition of real property across jurisdictions. Under the supervision of a lawyer, you will draft and revise term sheets, letters of intent, agreements of sale, leases, deeds, easements, and rights of way and assists with all aspects of land development and/or subdivision approval process including municipal rezoning requests, variances, and other forms of zoning relief.
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.???
No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
Agency applications will not be considered.??
