Land Use Planner
DLA Piper

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Summary
Under the supervision of attorneys, performs a range of substantive case, matter or entity related duties. Work independently to manage large multi-disciplinary project teams, guiding them through the zoning entitlement process. Coordinate efforts between attorneys, clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed or elected officials.

Location

This position is located in our Reston office and offers a Hybrid work schedule working at least three days in the office.

Responsibilities

• Prepares applications and supporting documentation for matters related to land use including zoning relief, zoning changes, zoning approvals, local ordinances, and property searches.
  
• Drafts findings and project descriptions, statements of justification, researching code sections and reviewing land use and comprehensive plans.
  
• Reviews and provides direction to technical consultants such as architects and surveyors regarding the form of zoning exhibits and plats.
  
• Coordinates the state and local lobbying ordinance registration and reporting process.
  
• Prepares economic disclosure statements and affidavits, including city and county ownership affidavits and disclosures.
  
• Interacts 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.
  
• Assists with preparation, recording and filing of documents related to the acquisition, development, finance, and disposition of real property across jurisdictions.
  
• Under supervision of a lawyer, drafts and revises term sheets, letters of intent, agreement of sale, leases, deed, easements, and rights of way.
  
• Assists with all aspects of land development and/or subdivision approval process including municipal rezoning requests, variances, and other forms of zoning relief.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Desired Skills
Must have experience requesting public records form public agencies, preparing and filing project application packages and effectuating permits in specific jurisdictions. Experience must include drafting findings and project descriptions, statements of justification, researching code section and reviewing land use comprehensive plans. Experience working in a large law firm preferred. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint. Excellent communication skills required to interact with clients, co-consultants, jurisdictional staff and appointed/elected officials. Must be able to work independently to manage large multi-disciplinary project teams and guiding them through the zoning entitlement process. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree
  

Preferred Education

• Master's Degree
  
• AICP certification or a Paralegal certificate is preferred. For California Paralegals: Must meet the California Paralegal requirements.
  

Minimum Years of Experience

• 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 working in a law firm preferred
  

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
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.

Work Environment

• Hybrid - Regular in-office presence with some flexibility for work-from-home
  

Disclaimer

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.

Application Process

Applicants must apply directly online instead of sending application materials via email. 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 dlapiper@myworkday.com to your list of safe senders.



Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact careers@us.dlapiper.com.

Agency applications will not be considered.

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

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.

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