What's Happening?
DLA Piper, a global law firm, is actively recruiting for an OGC Compliance Coordinator position. This role is designed to support the firm's Office of General Counsel (OGC) in various compliance operations and risk management initiatives, including due
diligence activities. The position is available in several U.S. locations, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Short Hills, Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, Delaware. The firm offers a hybrid work schedule for this role. Key responsibilities include assisting with background checks for potential timekeepers, tracking issues from identification to resolution, monitoring attorney licensing compliance, and researching compliance requests from firm attorneys and business professionals. The coordinator will also be involved in creating and maintaining databases, researching public records, and compiling information for OGC projects. Candidates are expected to have a Bachelor's Degree and at least two years of experience in a fast-paced legal environment, demonstrating proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and database management.
Why It's Important?
The recruitment for a Compliance Coordinator underscores the increasing emphasis on regulatory compliance and risk management within the legal sector. For a global firm like DLA Piper, operating in over 40 countries, maintaining stringent compliance standards is crucial for its reputation, legal standing, and operational integrity. This role helps ensure that the firm adheres to various legal and ethical guidelines, mitigating potential risks associated with attorney licensing, client due diligence, and internal operations. The hybrid work model offered for this position reflects a broader trend in the professional services industry, providing flexibility while still requiring in-office presence. This approach can attract a wider talent pool and potentially enhance employee satisfaction and retention. The focus on compliance also impacts the firm's clients, as robust internal controls contribute to the overall security and reliability of legal services provided, particularly in complex areas like intellectual property, commercial transactions, and energy projects.
What's Next?
DLA Piper will proceed with the hiring process, evaluating candidates based on their experience, skills, and educational background. The selected Compliance Coordinator will be integrated into the OGC team, contributing to the firm's ongoing efforts in risk management and regulatory adherence. The firm's commitment to a hybrid work arrangement suggests a continued adaptation to modern work preferences, which may influence future hiring strategies and workplace policies. As the legal landscape evolves with increasing regulatory complexities, the role of compliance professionals like the OGC Compliance Coordinator is likely to expand, requiring continuous professional development and adaptation to new legal frameworks. The firm's investment in this role indicates a proactive approach to managing its legal and ethical obligations, which will be an ongoing process requiring vigilance and strategic planning.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of such a role highlights the growing complexity of legal practice in a globalized world. Beyond mere adherence to rules, compliance now involves sophisticated data management, proactive risk assessment, and continuous monitoring. This trend reflects a broader shift in the legal industry towards more structured and institutionalized approaches to governance, moving beyond individual attorney responsibility to firm-wide systems. The confidential nature of the OGC's work, as emphasized in the job description, also points to the sensitive information handled by law firms and the critical need for discretion and data security. This position, while administrative, is integral to maintaining client trust and protecting the firm from legal and reputational damage. The demand for such specialized roles also indicates a potential career path for legal professionals interested in the operational and ethical dimensions of law, rather than traditional client-facing legal practice.
