Corporate Attorney

Distinct | North America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Distinct | North America is looking for a Transactional Associate with 3–4 years of M&A experience to join their Chicago office. The candidate will advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, manage due diligence, and draft key transaction documents. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school, be admitted to the Illinois Bar or eligible to waive in, and demonstrate excellent drafting and analytical skills. This role offers exposure to high-level transactional matters and a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Admission to the Illinois Bar or eligibility to waive in.
• 3–4 years of M&A experience at a law firm.
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions.
• Conduct and manage due diligence reviews.
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, and ancillary transaction documents.
• Coordinate transaction execution with clients, opposing counsel, and internal deal teams.
• Support clients through all stages of the transaction lifecycle.

Skills

M&A experience

Drafting and negotiating skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Compensation: Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

A highly regarded national law firm is seeking a Transactional Associate with 3–4 years of M&A experience to join its Chicago office. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated attorney looking to build a long‑term practice advising sophisticated clients on complex mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment. The team values attorneys who are proactive, detail‑oriented, and eager to take on meaningful responsibility with direct client exposure.

What You’ll Work On:

• Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions
• Conduct and manage due diligence reviews
• Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, and ancillary transaction documents
• Coordinate transaction execution with clients, opposing counsel, and internal deal teams
• Support clients through all stages of the transaction lifecycle, from structuring through closing
• Work closely with partners and senior attorneys on sophisticated middle‑market and strategic transactions

What the Firm Is Looking For:

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Admission to the Illinois Bar, or eligibility to waive in
• 3–4 years of M&A experience at a law firm
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines efficiently
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to client service

This role offers the opportunity to work on high-level transactional matters within a nationally respected corporate practice known for its collegial culture, sophisticated client base, and commitment to attorney development.