M&A Associate

Buchanan; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

Buchanan is seeking an M&A Associate to join its market-leading Chicago team, advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors and strategic investors on major domestic and cross-border transactions.

You’ll work alongside top partners, take ownership of key workstreams across acquisitions, exits, joint ventures and restructurings, and gain increasing responsibility with direct client exposure and mentoring opportunities.

Qualifications

• 2nd–4th year associate with M&A experience at a leading law firm.
• Experience advising on complex public and private M&A transactions.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Strong technical and commercial judgement.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Public and private M&A transactions across industries.
• Due diligence, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and deal execution.
• Mentor junior associates and collaborate with partners and clients.

Skills

M&A experience

Drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Cross-border transactions

Academic credentials

Job description

An elite global law firm is looking for an M&A Associate to join its market-leading team in Chicago.

This is an opportunity to join one of the most highly regarded M&A practices in the U.S., advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic investors on some of the market’s most significant domestic and cross‑border transactions.

Working alongside nationally recognised partners, you’ll advise on complex acquisitions, disposals, mergers, carve‑outs, joint ventures and corporate restructurings across a broad range of industries. The team is known for handling sophisticated, high‑value matters and offering associates early responsibility and direct client exposure.

The Role

You’ll play a key role across all stages of M&A transactions, including:

• Public and private mergers and acquisitions
• Private equity acquisitions and exits
• Strategic corporate transactions
• Joint ventures and minority investments
• Corporate restructurings and reorganisations
• Cross‑border transactions
• Due diligence, drafting and negotiating transaction documents, and managing deal execution

Working closely with partners and clients, you’ll take ownership of key workstreams while collaborating with colleagues across finance, tax, capital markets, antitrust and other specialist practice groups.

As you progress, you’ll be given increasing responsibility, opportunities to build client relationships and the chance to mentor junior associates.

About You

The firm is seeking associates in the 2nd–4th year with strong M&A experience gained at a leading law firm.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience advising on complex public and private M&A transactions
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong technical and commercial judgement
• Experience managing transactions and coordinating multiple stakeholders
• Outstanding academic credentials
• The ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment

What’s on Offer?

• Salary of $260k–$390k
• Exposure to market‑leading domestic and international transactions
• Early responsibility and direct client contact
• Outstanding mentoring and professional development
• A collaborative, high‑performing culture
• The opportunity to build your career within one of the world’s leading corporate practices