Corporate Associate

Voll Recruiting; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier Chicago-based law firm seeks a Mid-Level to Senior Corporate Associate with strong M&A and Private Equity experience to join their Corporate Transactions group. The role offers a true Big Law alternative, with sophisticated matters and a sustainable workload in a hybrid Chicago office.

You will draft, review, and negotiate deal documents; manage complex buy-side and sell-side transactions; advise on governance, entity formation, and joint ventures; mentor junior associates; and serve

Qualifications

• 3–7+ years of solid corporate experience with emphasis on M&A/Private Equity.
• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Illinois Bar license or eligibility to waive in.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate primary deal documents (purchase/merger agreements, operating agreements, complex contracts).
• Manage and close complex M&A and Private Equity transactions (buy-side/sell-side).
• Advise clients on governance, entity formation, and joint ventures.
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and paralegals through diligence and closing.
• Serve as primary contact for clients, opposing counsel, and third-party advisors.

Skills

M&A experience

Private Equity

Drafting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Position: Mid-Level to Senior Corporate M&A and Private Equity Associate

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

About the Opportunity

We are assisting a premier, highly respected Chicago-based law firm looking for a talented Mid to Senior-Level Corporate Associate to join their thriving Corporate Transactions group. They offer a true "Big Law alternative", providing associates with the opportunity to handle highly sophisticated, complex middle-market transactions without the grueling, uncompromising demands of a traditional mega-firm.

If you are looking to elevate your practice, take on substantial responsibilities, and do top-tier work for top-tier clients, all while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle and a reasonable billable hour requirement, this is the ideal platform for the next stage of your career.

The Role

As an associate, you will play a critical role in the firm's corporate practice, working closely with partners and clients on a variety of high-stakes matters. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating primary deal documents (e.g., purchase agreements, merger agreements, operating agreements, and complex commercial contracts).
• Managing and closing complex Mergers & Acquisitions (buy-side and sell-side) and Private Equity transactions.
• Advising clients on corporate governance, entity formation, joint ventures, and general corporate matters.
• Supervising and mentoring junior associates and paralegals through the due diligence and closing processes.
• Acting as a primary point of contact for clients, opposing counsel, and third-party advisors.

Why Join?

• Sophisticated Work: The firm's clients include prominent private equity and hedge funds, independent sponsors, and privately held businesses. You will work on deals that rival the complexity of those at much larger firms.
• A True Big Law Alternative: The culture is one that values their people as much as their clients. They maintain a very reasonable and transparent billable hour requirement, allowing you to have a life outside of the office.
• Highly Competitive Compensation: They believe in rewarding top talent. The compensation packages are highly competitive with top-of-market Chicago firms and include a robust benefits package.
• Hybrid Flexibility: They embrace modern work styles. This role operates on a hybrid schedule, offering a blend of in-office collaboration and remote-work flexibility.
• Path to Advancement: They do not hire associates just to churn out hours. They hire future partners. You will receive substantive mentorship, business development support, and a realistic path to partnership.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3 to 7+ years of solid corporate experience, with a heavy emphasis on M&A and Private Equity transactions, gained at a large or highly regarded mid-sized law firm.
• Education: J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• Bar Admission: Must be licensed to practice law in Illinois (or eligible to waive in).
• Skills: Exceptional drafting, analytical, and communication skills. A strong business acumen and the ability to manage multiple moving parts on a deal simultaneously.