Group Director & Lead Counsel (Strategic Transactions)

Cadence Design Systems; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 198,800 - 369,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Job summary

Cadence Design Systems is seeking an experienced strategic transactions attorney to join our legal team in California. The ideal candidate will lead M&A transactions, strategic investments, and related governance activities, partnering with senior business leaders from deal inception through integration.

You will oversee due diligence, negotiations, and post‑closing matters while balancing risk, business aims, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school.
• Minimum 6 years of M&A experience, including in-house and/or large law firm work.
• Deep knowledge of M&A and investments transactions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage M&A transactions and strategic investments from inception to completion.
• Provide strategic advice to senior management on potential transactions.
• Oversee comprehensive due diligence and risk assessment.
• Negotiate purchase agreements, merger agreements and related documents.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on integration and regulatory matters.
• Manage post‑investment activities and exits when applicable.

Skills

M&A experience

Strategic transactions

Negotiation skills

Due diligence

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced strategic transactions attorney to join our dynamic legal team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of partnering with senior business leaders on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategic investments and significant big law and in‑house experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Transactional Leadership: Lead and manage M&A transactions and strategic investments from inception to completion, including NDAs, due diligence, negotiation, definitive documentation and integration processes as applicable.
• Strategic Advice: Provide strategic advice and support to senior management on potential strategic transactions and other corporate development activities.
• Due Diligence: Oversee and conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential targets, identifying risks and opportunities and advising on appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Negotiation: Negotiate complex transaction documents, including purchase agreements, merger agreements, LP agreements, side letters and other ancillary agreements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and legal requirements.
• M&A Integration: Collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure seamless integration of acquired entities, including addressing legal, regulatory and compliance issues.
• Investment Lifecycle Management: Manage post‑investment activities, including capital calls, distributions, shareholder actions and exits.
• Regulatory Matters: Ensure all strategic transaction activities comply with relevant laws, regulations and company policies, and manage interactions with regulatory bodies as necessary.
• General Corporate Matters: Assist on general corporate matters as needed.
• External Counsel Management: Manage relationships with external counsel, ensuring effective collaboration and cost‑efficient delivery of legal services.
• Program Management: Contribute to development, implementation and improvement of playbooks, processes and training programs.

Qualifications

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years of experience in M&A, with a combination of internationally recognized law firm experience and in‑house experience (ideally within the technology sector) and proven track record of successfully handling complex transactions from inception to completion.
• Expertise: Deep knowledge of M&A and investments transactions, corporate law and relevant industry practices.
• Proficiency in securities regulation a plus.
• Skills: Exceptional negotiation, drafting, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to non‑legal stakeholders.
• Analytical Ability: Strong analytical, issue spotting and problem‑solving skills, with a keen ability to think critically and strategically.
• Integrity: High degree of integrity and ability to instill trust.
• Team Player: Hands on, roll‑up‑the‑sleeves mindset and ability to work as part of collaborative and cross‑functional teams.
• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a fast‑paced, ever‑changing environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Licensure: Admission to at least one state bar in good standing.

Salary & Benefits

The annual salary range for California is $198,800 to $369,200. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.

• paid vacation and paid holidays
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• employee stock purchase plan
• a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options
• and more

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Cadence is committed to equal employment opportunity throughout all levels of the organization. Read the policy(opens in a new tab)

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Cadence is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, basis of disability, or any other protected class.

Company Culture

Cadence plays a critical role in creating the technologies that modern life depends on. We are a global electronic design automation company, providing software, hardware, and intellectual property to design advanced semiconductor chips that enable our customers create revolutionary products and experiences. Thanks to the outstanding caliber of the Cadence team and the empowering culture that we have cultivated for over 25 years, Cadence continues to be recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. Our shared passion for solving the world’s toughest technical challenges, our dedication to pushing the limits of the industry, and our drive to do meaningful work differentiates the people of Cadence.