M&A / PE Associate

Job Overview:
A leading law firm is seeking a highly qualified associate attorney with 4 to 7 years of corporate experience to join its M&A and Private Equity practice in the Bay Area. This position offers the opportunity to work on high-profile transactions, representing private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, and portfolio companies across a wide range of industries. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in complex corporate transactions and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

• Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions

• Represent private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle

• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents including purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and ancillary contracts

• Conduct legal due diligence and assist in structuring and negotiating deal terms

• Collaborate with internal tax, regulatory, finance, and litigation teams on cross-functional matters

• Manage deal processes from term sheet to closing, including post-closing integration issues

Requirements:

• 4 to 7 years of relevant experience in M&A and/or private equity transactions

• Prior experience in a corporate group at a nationally or internationally recognized law firm

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple transactions and client communications simultaneously

• Familiarity with a broad range of deal structures and market practices

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school

• Excellent academic credentials required

Certifications:

• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction (California preferred)

Skills:

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage high-stakes transactions

• Proactive and team-oriented mindset with a client-service focus

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary aligned with experience and responsibilities

• Comprehensive benefits including health coverage, retirement plans, and professional development support

Be a part of a highly successful, full-service law firm that counts among its esteemed clients many Fortune 250 firms. This firm has a reputation for treating associates exceedingly well. The branch office of a large international law firm, this firm's practice has consistently been strong in the litigation, corporate and tax fields; however, the firm also has made a definite commitment to intellectual property related work in the San Francisco legal market. An aggressive development track has associates achieving partner status in a very limited amount of time compared to other national firms of its stature. This firms is generally seeking the best and the brightest--meaning it is most willing to consider associates from top schools and firms.