Corporate Associate Attorney (Mergers & Acquisitions)

Corporate AssociateDirect Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate to join a premier Mergers & Acquisitions practice in Houston. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney looking to work on sophisticated domestic and cross-border transactions while advising corporate clients on acquisitions, dispositions, investments, and strategic business matters.The ideal candidate will have strong M&A experience, excellent drafting and deal management skills, and a desire to take on significant responsibility and client interaction early in their career.ResponsibilitiesAdvise corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, business acquisitions and dispositions, minority investments, strategic corporate transactions, and general corporate matters.Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents and ancillary agreements.Conduct and manage legal due diligence processes.Coordinate transaction workstreams and closing activities.Advise clients on corporate law issues and market transaction terms.Manage transactions from inception through closing.Work directly with clients, opposing counsel, and deal teams.Collaborate with attorneys across finance, tax, regulatory, and other practice groups.QualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school.Law school class years 2021–2024.Significant experience handling M&A transactions.Strong understanding of corporate law and market transaction terms.Experience drafting and negotiating transaction documents.Demonstrated deal management experience.Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.Strong business judgment and client-service orientation.Ability to manage matters independently and assume substantial responsibility.Entrepreneurial mindset with an interest in client development.Strong academic credentials.Compensation & BenefitsSalary range: $235,000 – $365,000Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations.Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities.Comprehensive healthcare benefits.Retirement benefits.Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).Paid vacation and sick time.Parental leave.Basic life insurance.Why This OpportunityJoin a highly regarded M&A practice.Work on sophisticated transactions for leading corporate clients.Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility.Opportunity to manage deals and build client relationships early in your career.Strong mentorship, professional development, and advancement opportunities.Collaborative and entrepreneurial environment with a clear path for growth.Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.