Associate Attorney - Mergers & Acquisitions (Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA)
Direct Counsel is seeking an Associate Attorney to join a leading national law firm in its Chicago or Los Angeles office. This is an excellent opportunity for a transactional attorney with private company M&A and private equity experience who wants to work in a collaborative, client-focused environment with meaningful responsibility early in their career.
About the Practice
The firm's Mergers & Acquisitions team works with a diverse set of clients, including private companies and private equity/sponsor clients, on acquisitions, dispositions, growth equity transactions, and other complex corporate deals. The practice offers significant exposure to all stages of a transaction, from initial deal structuring to drafting definitive agreements, and emphasizes professional development, client service, and collaborative teamwork.
Responsibilities
- Lead or support private company M&A transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and growth equity deals
- Advise private equity and sponsor clients on deal structuring and execution
- Negotiate term sheets and draft (or mark up) purchase or merger agreements
- Manage multiple transactions simultaneously, balancing deadlines and priorities
- Provide high-quality, efficient legal services independently and as part of a team
- Participate in client-facing activities and business development as appropriate
Qualifications
- JD or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Admission to, or eligibility for admission to, the Illinois or California Bar
- 3-6 years of transactional/M&A experience , with a focus on private company deals and private equity clients
- Experience managing multiple matters simultaneously and handling the early stages of transactions
- Strong academic credentials
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Professionalism and ability to collaborate effectively in team-oriented environments
- Base salary: $260,000 - $340,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Bonus eligible
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Professional development support, including training, mentoring, and performance feedback