First-Chair M&A & Private Equity Attorney — Relocation

Alaska Department of Law; Kalamazoo (MI); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Varnum is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan, taking first-chair responsibility on complex M&A and private equity transactions for diverse clients including closely held businesses and PE sponsors. The role emphasizes hands-on deal leadership, drafting, negotiation, and client counseling across venture capital and corporate matters.

Candidates should have 7–10 years of relevant legal experience, a JD from an accredited school, and strong drafting

Qualifications

• Substantial M&A and private equity transaction experience.
• First-chair leadership on complex deals with deal teams and due diligence.
• Strong drafting and negotiating capabilities for acquisition agreements and related documents.
• Experience representing PE sponsors, portfolio companies, or closely held businesses preferred.
• Bar admission in Michigan or willingness to become admitted.

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 and closely held businesses through all deal stages.
• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements and related commercial contracts.
• Advise on venture capital financings, joint ventures, and other business combination transactions.
• Counsel clients on day-to-day corporate matters including entity formation and governance.
• Manage client relationships and contribute to business development across the corporate practice.
• Mentor and collaborate with associates on transactional and corporate matters.

Skills

M&A experience

First-chair leadership

Negotiation skills

Drafting transactional documents

Relationship management

Education

Juris Doctor degree

Job description

Varnum is seeking an experienced attorney to join its Corporate Practice Team in Michigan, taking first-chair responsibility on complex M&A and private equity transactions for diverse clients including closely held businesses and PE sponsors. The role emphasizes hands-on deal leadership, drafting, negotiation, and client counseling across venture capital and corporate matters.

Candidates should have 7–10 years of relevant legal experience, a JD from an accredited school, and strong drafting