Lateral Corporate - M&A/Private Equity Associate

Job Overview: A leading law firm is seeking a driven associate with experience in M&A and Private Equity to join its corporate team in San Francisco. This role is ideal for an associate who thrives in fast-paced environments and has substantial experience handling M&A transactions, private equity fund matters, and general corporate governance. The position offers the opportunity for significant client interaction, a high level of responsibility, and the chance to take ownership of deals while working closely with senior attorneys.

Location:

• San Francisco, CA

Duties:

• Advise corporate clients and private equity funds on M&A transactions, acquisitions, dispositions, and minority investments.
• Draft and review transaction documents, including purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, and related legal documents.
• Manage and coordinate various aspects of M&A deals, ensuring smooth execution and compliance with legal requirements.
• Provide strategic guidance on corporate governance and general corporate matters.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, including direct client contact and business development opportunities.
• Collaborate with other team members to manage high-stakes transactions.
• Take ownership of client matters, managing them with a high degree of independence and initiative.

Requirements:

• 4-7 years of experience in M&A and/or Private Equity transactions.
• Strong understanding of corporate law, M&A market terms, and transaction structures.
• Proven experience in drafting complex transaction documents and effective deal management.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex deals while working with autonomy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on business development.
• Admission to the California State Bar or eligibility for admission.

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited law school (Class years 2018–2021 preferred).

Certifications:

• Admission to the California State Bar or eligibility to apply.

Skills:

• Expertise in M&A and Private Equity transactions, including deal structuring and legal documentation.
• Strong analytical, drafting, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and take on a high level of responsibility.
• Strong business acumen with a focus on client relationships and business development.
• Detail-oriented and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:

• Health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Basic life insurance and performance-based discretionary bonuses.

This Vault 50 leading international law firm has been consistently ranked among the world's top law firms in industry surveys and major publications. Associates emphasize the firm's flexibility and the ability to work on cutting-edge, high-stakes matters with brilliant attorneys, as well as the ability to advise clients on some of today's most complex and significant matters. Associates described the firm as laid back and a BigLaw paradise. Associates are drawn to the firm's impressive reputation and headline hitting cases. One associate remarked at how happy he noticed attorneys working at this firm were. Junior attorneys obtain experience in document review and drafting, motion drafting, appellate brief drafting, first-chairing depositions, and working on memoranda for major clients. The firm is distinctively positioned in today's global marketplace and offers unparalleled, innovative thinking for clients with the most challenging needs. The attorneys at this firm aspire to handle all matters as partners with their clients. The firm leads retreats across its offices, allowing great networking opportunities. The firm also emphasizes a strong diversity and pro bono on its attorneys.