First-Chair M&A & Private Equity Attorney

Siana Law; Kalamazoo (MI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Varnum is seeking an attorney with substantial transactional experience to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan, providing first-chair support on complex M&A and private equity deals for closely held businesses and growth companies.

The attorney will collaborate with clients, partners, and associates across a broad range of transactional and corporate matters, including due diligence, drafting, negotiations, and ongoing governance.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• 7–10 years of relevant legal experience at a law firm, with substantial M&A and private equity.
• Demonstrated first-chair experience leading complex transactions, managing deal teams, coordinating due diligence, and driving negotiations to closing.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills for client-ready transactional documents and analyses.
• Experience representing private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, closely held businesses, or family-owned enterprises preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions in a first-chair capacity, including structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and execution of buy-side and sell-side deals.
• 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 on venture capital financings, joint ventures, and other investment transactions.
• Counsel clients on day-to-day corporate matters, including formation, structuring, governance, and general business counseling.
• Manage client relationships, be the primary contact on matters, and contribute to business development for the corporate practice.
• Mentor and collaborate with associates on transactional and corporate matters.

Skills

First-chair leadership

M&A transactions

Private equity

Client counseling

Due diligence

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Varnum is seeking an attorney with substantial transactional experience to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan, providing first-chair support on complex M&A and private equity deals for closely held businesses and growth companies.

The attorney will collaborate with clients, partners, and associates across a broad range of transactional and corporate matters, including due diligence, drafting, negotiations, and ongoing governance.