Corporate Associate Attorney – M&A & Private Equity

Permanent Placements LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Permanent Placements LLC is assisting a premier global law firm recruiting a mid-level Corporate Associate for its Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity practice in Chicago. The position targets lawyers with 3–6 years’ experience advising sponsors, private equity firms, and strategic clients across complex transactions.

The role involves structuring, negotiating acquisitions and dispositions, deal execution, and related corporate matters in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of M&A and/or private equity transactional experience at a top law firm
• Experience representing sponsors and strategic clients in sophisticated transactions
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal management capabilities
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Active admission to the Illinois Bar

Responsibilities

• Work on sophisticated M&A and private equity transactions from structuring to dispositions
• Manage deal execution and related corporate matters across multiple workstreams
• Draft and negotiate transactional documents with sponsors, buyers, and sellers
• Advise on regulatory and corporate governance considerations as needed

Skills

M&A experience

Private equity experience

Drafting

Negotiation

Deal management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Illinois Bar admission

Job description

Our client is a globally recognized law firm with nearly 1,000 attorneys across 14 offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. With a legacy dating back to 1853, the firm is known for its sophisticated work in litigation, middle-market private equity, intellectual property, labor and employment, renewable energy, and white-collar defense. Serving a diverse and high-profile client base, our client offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where attorneys engage in complex, high-impact matters across industries and jurisdictions.

Position Description:

We are partnering with a premier global law firm to identify a talented mid-level Corporate Associate to join its highly regarded Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity practice in Chicago.

This role offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated, high-profile transactions alongside leading practitioners in the market. The successful candidate will have 3–6 years of experience advising financial sponsors, private equity firms, and strategic buyers and sellers on a broad range of complex M&A and private equity matters across diverse industries.

Associates in this practice play a meaningful role throughout the transaction lifecycle, from structuring and negotiating acquisitions and dispositions to managing deal execution and advising on related corporate matters. Candidates should possess strong drafting and negotiation skills, sound commercial judgment, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams in fast-paced deal environments.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of M&A and/or private equity transactional experience at a top law firm
• Experience representing sponsors and strategic clients in sophisticated transactions
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal management capabilities
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Active admission to the Illinois Bar

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a collaborative, market-leading team that advises on some of the most significant transactions in the industry while offering strong mentorship, professional development, and a dynamic practice platform.