Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney

Corporate Mergers & Acquisitions Associate AttorneyDirect Counsel is seeking a Corporate M&A Associate to join the elite mergers & acquisitions practice of a premier global law firm. This is an exceptional opportunity for a 2–5 year corporate associate with significant private and public company M&A experience to join a dynamic, high-growth team handling sophisticated domestic and cross-border strategic transactions.The role offers substantial autonomy, direct deal ownership, and exposure to public and private M&A, takeover defense, and shareholder activism matters across a broad range of industries.LocationsBoston, Massachusetts; New York, New YorkPosition OverviewThe ideal candidate will have 2–5 years of sophisticated mergers & acquisitions experience, including meaningful responsibility running deals, managing workstreams, and handling high-level transaction execution. This role is ideal for an associate with strong experience in:Public company M&APrivate company acquisitions and salesStrategic transactionsTakeover defenseShareholder activism responseBoard and governance mattersDeal process managementMarket terms and negotiation strategyThe successful candidate will join a highly regarded M&A platform known for representing leading corporations, investment banks, asset managers, and financial sponsors.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage private and public company M&A transactionsDraft and negotiate: merger agreements, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, ancillary transaction documentsRun transaction processes and coordinate deal teams across practice groupsAdvise boards, executives, and deal principals on corporate governance and strategic considerationsSupport takeover defense and shareholder activism mattersManage diligence, signing, closing, and post-closing workstreamsCoordinate with specialists across tax, finance, employment, regulatory, and antitrustBuild direct client relationships and contribute to business development initiativesQualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school2–5 years of significant M&A experienceStrong experience with public company M&A, private company M&A, deal management, negotiation of market terms, corporate governanceU.S. law firm experience requiredOutstanding academic credentialsStrong commercial judgment and client management skillsBusiness development-oriented mindsetAdmission and good standing in the applicable jurisdiction requiredCompensationBase salary range: $235,000 – $390,000.

Compensation will vary based on class year, experience, office location, and overall fit.Ideal CandidateThe ideal attorney will be:A strong deal quarterbackComfortable taking ownership of sophisticated transactionsCommercially minded and business-orientedExperienced in high-responsibility client-facing rolesInterested in public company and strategic board-side workMotivated by autonomy and long-term platform growthWhy This OpportunityThis is an exceptional opportunity for a rising M&A associate seeking a premier global platform with top-tier strategic deal flow, meaningful autonomy, and exposure to activism and takeover defense work. The combination of elite sponsor and public company representation makes this especially compelling for laterals looking to accelerate into senior deal leadership.