First-Chair M&A & Private Equity Attorney

Miami-Dade Bar; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Varnum is seeking an attorney with substantial transactional experience to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan. The attorney will lead complex M&A and private equity transactions, serving as first-chair on buy-side and sell-side deals for closely held businesses, PE sponsors, and growth companies.

This role emphasizes collaboration with partners, associates, and clients, with opportunities for business development and a strong emphasis on practical, risk-based solutions.

Qualifications

• First-chair experience leading complex M&A and private equity transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for client-ready transactional documents.
• Ability to manage deal teams, due diligence, and drive negotiations to closing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions in a first-chair capacity, structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and execution.
• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and closely held businesses through all deal stages.
• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements and a wide range of contracts and business documents.
• Advise clients on venture capital financings, joint ventures, and other investment transactions.
• Counsel on day-to-day corporate matters including formation, governance, and planning.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development for the corporate practice.

Skills

First-chair leadership

M&A deal leadership

Negotiation skills

Client management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Varnum is seeking an attorney with substantial transactional experience to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan. The attorney will lead complex M&A and private equity transactions, serving as first-chair on buy-side and sell-side deals for closely held businesses, PE sponsors, and growth companies.

This role emphasizes collaboration with partners, associates, and clients, with opportunities for business development and a strong emphasis on practical, risk-based solutions.