ECVC Associate

Job Overview

A top-tier law firm is seeking an ECVC Associate Attorney with 6–8 years of experience to join its fast-paced Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice in San Francisco. This role offers the opportunity to work with high-growth private technology and life sciences companies from inception to exit, while also representing venture capital and institutional investors in complex investment transactions. The position is ideal for attorneys with deep experience in venture financings, startup counseling, and corporate governance who are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.

Location

• San Francisco, CA

Duties

• Lead venture financing transactions and advise both company-side and investor-side clients

• Serve as outside general counsel for early- and growth-stage tech and life sciences startups

• Counsel management on formation, financings, equity matters, board governance, and exit strategies

• Draft and negotiate term sheets, SAFE and preferred stock financing documents, and M&A agreements

• Advise venture capital firms and institutional investors on emerging growth investments

• Build relationships with startup founders, CEOs, and boards of directors

• Handle general corporate matters and strategic counseling for innovative clients

• Collaborate with internal teams on high-stakes, high-growth business transactions

Requirements

• 6–8 years of experience in ECVC or closely related general corporate legal practice

• Significant experience working on both company-side and investor-side venture financings

• Familiarity with startup ecosystems, corporate governance, and investment instruments (e.g., SAFEs, convertible notes, preferred equity)

• Strong understanding of the technology and life sciences sectors

• Ability to lead deals independently and advise clients in dynamic, fast-paced environments

Education

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

• Strong academic performance preferred

Certifications

• Member in good standing of the California State Bar, or eligible for immediate admission

Skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for complex transactions

• Strong interpersonal communication and client management abilities

• Strategic thinking and sound legal judgment

• Ability to manage multiple matters across diverse industries and transaction types

• High attention to detail and organizational capability under pressure

Benefits

• Discretionary merit-based bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 behavioral health and virtual counseling access

• Healthcare coverage for employees and eligible dependents (including same- and opposite-sex domestic partners)

• Fertility, adoption, surrogacy, and egg-freezing benefits

• Paid parental leave

• Parenting support services and telemedicine options

• Resource groups and coaching for working parents

• In-home and center-based backup childcare

• Academic tutoring and college coaching for dependents

• Health Savings Accounts (with firm contributions)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability plans

• Optional long-term care, critical illness, hospitalization, and accident insurance

• Voluntary ID theft and pet insurance options

• Medicare consulting services

• CLE, bar review fees, and bar dues paid by the firm

This Vault Law 100 and one of the Best Law Firm in the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital firm boasts cutting-edge clients, pleasant people, and a flexible work/life balance. The firm is a global player with very deep tech roots and has been ranked among the top 10 M&A advisors in the nation. As the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, the firm is appealing to associates for fostering an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment across its attorney ranks, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, career growth, and building leadership and relationship skills with clients and colleagues. Compensation at this firm is competitive with peer firms in the region.