Associate / Attorney - M&A/Private Equity

Watts & Associates Recruitment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 310,000 - 390,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan (401(k))

Paid time off

Parental benefits

Professional-development (CLE)

Wellbeing resources

Job summary

Watts & Associates Recruitment is partnered with a highly regarded Am Law 100 national law firm to hire a M&A/Private Equity Associate in Washington, DC. The role offers sophisticated private-equity and M&A transactions for sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers, with direct access to partners and high-value matters.

Candidates should have approximately 4–6 years of substantive private equity and M&A experience, strong drafting and communication skills, and be admitted or

Qualifications

• Approximately 4–6 years of substantive private equity and M&A experience.
• Experience handling private-equity and M&A transactions for sophisticated clients.
• Strong drafting, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet demanding deadlines and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong academic credentials and experience in a sophisticated law-firm environment.
• Admission in the relevant office jurisdiction, or eligibility to waive in promptly, is required.

Responsibilities

• Advise private-equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers on acquisitions, dispositions and investments.
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, equity documents, governance arrangements and ancillary transaction materials.
• Manage due diligence, signing and closing processes and coordinate specialist workstreams.
• Work directly with partners and clients on sophisticated domestic and cross-border transactions.
• Coordinate with attorneys and professionals across related practice areas and offices.

Skills

Private equity

M&A

Job description

M&A/Private Equity Associate | Washington, DC | Firm Policy | 4–6 Years' Experience | $310,000–$390,000 Base + Bonus | Am Law 100

Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Am Law 100 national full-service law firm seeking a M&A/Private Equity Associate to join its Washington, DC platform.

This opportunity offers sophisticated private-equity and M&A transactions for private-equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers within a nationally recognised private equity and m&a practice.

The successful attorney will work closely with partners and senior attorneys, take ownership of substantive matters and gain exposure to high-value work, important clients and cross-practice collaboration.

Company Highlights

• Am Law 100 national full-service platform with sophisticated domestic and cross-border capabilities.
• Recognised practice strength across private equity and m&a and related corporate, regulatory or litigation disciplines.
• Established team advising private-equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers on complex, high-value matters.
• Collaborative and partner-led environment offering meaningful associate responsibility.
• Structured mentoring, practical training and individual career-development support.
• Strong commitment to professional development, wellbeing, inclusion, innovation and pro bono work.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This is an opportunity to join a well-established private equity and m&a practice offering:

• Sophisticated private-equity and M&A transactions for private-equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers.
• Meaningful ownership of substantive workstreams and increasing responsibility based on experience.
• Direct access to partners, senior attorneys and clients.
• Opportunities to deepen technical, commercial and strategic experience within a recognised private equity and m&a practice.
• A credible platform for long-term progression and advancement.

The Role

The successful attorney will support and lead key components of private equity and m&a matters, including:

• Advise private-equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers on acquisitions, dispositions and investments.
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, equity documents, governance arrangements and ancillary transaction materials.
• Manage due diligence, signing and closing processes and coordinate specialist workstreams.
• Work directly with partners and clients on sophisticated domestic and cross-border transactions.
• Coordinate with attorneys and professionals across related practice areas and offices.

The role offers direct collaboration with partners, senior attorneys and clients, together with increasing responsibility and opportunities to take ownership of important workstreams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The firm is seeking an attorney with:

• Approximately 4–6 years of substantive private equity and m&a experience.
• Experience handling private-equity and M&A transactions for sophisticated clients.
• Strong drafting, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple workstreams, meet demanding deadlines and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Strong academic credentials and experience in a sophisticated law-firm environment.
• Admission in the relevant office jurisdiction, or eligibility to waive in promptly, is required.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base salary range is $310,000–$390,000, depending on class year, experience, location, qualifications and other relevant factors.

The firm also offers bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement and 401(k) benefits.
• Paid time off and firm holidays.
• Parental and family-care benefits.
• Professional-development and continuing legal education support.
• Wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities.

Location and Working Arrangement

The position is available in Washington, DC.

Working arrangements are governed by the firm's current office policy and may vary by office, team, client and business requirements.

Candidates must be admitted in the relevant jurisdiction or be eligible to obtain admission within the required timeframe.