Confidential EC/VC Associate Opportunity

Swan Legal Search; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Swan Legal Search is partnering with a sophisticated transactional firm in Los Angeles to recruit associates at multiple levels focused on emerging companies, venture capital, and technology transactions.

Positions target 2025 JD graduates advancing to 1st/2nd year, as well as 3rd–5th year associates. The firm offers strong compensation and a clear path to partnership, with meaningful client access and ownership potential.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school and CA bar eligibility.
• Background in emerging companies or venture capital deal work.
• Strong analytic, drafting, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Handle venture financings, emerging companies work, and technology transactions.
• Assist with M&A matters for technology clients.
• Develop client relationships and contribute to business development.

Job description

Associate Opportunity | Emerging Companies / Venture Capital

I’m working with a highly sophisticated transactional firm that is looking to add attorneys at multiple levels.

• 2025 JD / 1st-year associate moving into 2nd year
• Associates in the 3rd–5th year range

Why this opportunity stands out:

Sophisticated work without the traditional BigLaw model

The practice handles sophisticated venture financings, emerging companies, technology transactions, and M&A. Recent matters include a venture financing at a $2B valuation for a technology-driven data center company, as well as M&A transactions ranging from the tens of millions into the hundreds of millions.

Strong compensation philosophy without rigid hours requirements

There is no “hit a fixed number of hours or lose your bonus” culture. Merit bonus eligibility begins around 1,700 hours, with approximately 1,950 hours being the target for maximum bonus consideration. Current workloads are generally in the 1,800–1,900 hour range, with additional work available for those who want it.

A genuine path to partnership

This is a platform for attorneys who view law as a long-term career and want the opportunity to develop clients, build a book of business, and ultimately become a partner. Reasonable rates and meaningful client access create an environment where associates can begin developing their own practice over time.

This is a particularly interesting opportunity for attorneys who want BigLaw-caliber work and sophisticated clients, but also want a realistic path toward ownership of their own practice.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All communication is confidential. Swan Legal Search will not share your materials without your prior consent.