Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment

Summary

The Strategic Financial Analyst, Lateral Investment, supports the firm’s long‑term financial direction by providing data‑driven insights for strategic decisions. The analyst develops robust financial models, recommends lateral partner investment decisions, and applies modern analytics, including AI tools, to improve finance processes.

The position can be based in our Short Hills or Northern Virginia office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

• Prepare timely financial analysis of lateral hire partner candidates, evaluating historical performance, book of business, profitability potential, and other key metrics to support hiring decisions.
• Prepare monthly lateral performance reports in support of monthly close, including commentary and detailed analytics.
• Enhance lateral financial analysis end‑to‑end process by automating and standardizing workflow and model inputs/outputs in collaboration with key stakeholders and technology teams.
• Track and monitor post‑hire lateral performance against approved financial scenarios and market benchmarks, identifying key variance drivers and communicating emerging risks or opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to streamline lateral and other financial processes, improve data quality, and increase reporting efficiency through automation and standardization.
• Contribute to finance automation efforts, including building and improving simple‑language AI agents (e.g., chatbots, cash flow models, validation tools) that support FP&A workflows.
• Partner with senior Finance leaders, Recruiting, and Practice Group leadership to present findings, assumptions, and financial recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Support practice group and firm reporting requirements by providing actionable analytics and insights to leadership.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and reporting requests, synthesizing findings into clear takeaways and recommended actions.

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work across Finance, Talent, and firm leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data and translate results into actionable insights.
• Strong communication and financial storytelling skills; comfortable presenting to non‑finance stakeholders.
• High energy, eagerness to learn, and interest in applying AI/automation to modernize FP&A processes.
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Claude, or similar platforms is a plus.
• Experience in a law firm, financial institution, or professional services organization is a plus.

10% travel to other DLA Piper offices, such as Reston, Virginia;
Short Hills, New Jersey; and New York City office locations.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Data Science, or a related field.

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree.

• CFA or progress toward CFA designation is a plus.
• MFA or progress toward MFA is a plus.

• 3 years of experience in FP&A, finance, data analytics, or accounting. Open to recent graduates with relevant coursework and/or internship experience.

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence efficiently.
• 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 computer work, virtual conference calls, and meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast‑paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Mostly sedentary…