Associate - Corporate M&A

BakerHostetler; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 240,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Top-tier benefits

Job summary

BakerHostetler's Cleveland office seeks an experienced associate with 3–6 years in M&A and/or private equity to join its business group, working with corporate and PE clients.

The role involves handling sophisticated transactions, collaborating across teams, and contributing to deal execution while maintaining high client service standards in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in M&A and/or private equity transactions.
• Strong drafting skills for transaction documents and governance agreements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Must be admitted to practice law in Ohio (or eligible)

Responsibilities

• Support M&A/PE transactions for corporate and private equity clients.
• Collaborate with deal teams and manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Draft primary or ancillary transaction documents and diligence reports.

Skills

M&A experience

Private equity experience

Drafting skills

Team collaboration

Education

J.D. from a recognized law school

Tools

AI deal tools

Job description

The Cleveland office of BakerHostetler is seeking an experienced associate with 3–6 years of experience to join its Chambers-ranked Business Group. The candidate would work as a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions and/or Private Equity practice teams primarily with our corporate and private equity clients.

We represent diverse clients in a variety of industries and in strategic and transformative transactions of all types, including public and private M&A, private equity, joint ventures and capital raising. Our clients span Fortune 100 public companies, leading global private equity firms, middle-market private companies, family office investors, and founders.

Qualifications Include

• Significant experience in M&A and/or private equity transactions, with a strong working knowledge of all core aspects of transactional practice and experience managing transaction workstreams


• Strong drafting skills, including preparing primary or ancillary transaction documents, diligence reports and other client communications as well as governance, organizational and other equityholder agreements and communications


• An ability to work efficiently with a fast-paced, complex workload, balancing multiple projects, maintaining priorities, and anticipating issues, while contributing to our practice and deal teams


• A strong academic record, having earned a J.D. from a nationally recognized and accredited law school


• Must be admitted to practice law in the state of Ohio (or eligible to become admitted to practice law in Ohio)

Preferred Experience

• AmLaw 100 or AmLaw 200 law firm experience


• Proficiency with AI and deal execution tools

Successful Candidates Will Have Demonstrated

• Professional commitment and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in a collaborative team environment


• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment


• A clear and concise communication style (oral and written) with clients and team members


• Superior legal judgment, the ability to provide business-focused guidance and a commitment to maintaining a high level of responsiveness and client service


• Excellent project management capabilities and attention to detail

Why BakerHostetler?

• Ranked No. 1 in Cleveland by The American Lawyer’s 2025 Midlevel Associate Survey


• Ranked No. 11 in Vault Law’s 2026 “Best Law Firms to Work For”


• Only law firm to be ranked Band 1 (highest ranking) for Corporate/M&A in both Ohio-North and Ohio-South by Chambers


• Work on sophisticated matters with mentorship from industry leaders


• Meaningful opportunities for professional growth and business development, including advancement and partnership


• Competitive salary and top-tier benefits


• A commitment to the legal profession and our local community

Location

This position is located in Cleveland, Ohio.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $240,000 - $300,000. The salary offered in any location will be determined by a wide range of factors, including, but not limited to, experience level, education/training, geographic region, and relevant skills. Associates also participate in a performance- and hours-based bonus program.

Baker & Hostetler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.