M&A Associate Attorney

thrively; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 310,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life and disability insurance

Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness programs

Hybrid work model

Job summary

A prestigious law firm in San Francisco is seeking a Mid-Level Corporate M&A Associate with 3-5 years of experience at a leading corporate firm. The ideal candidate will work on complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, manage key workstreams, and draft essential transaction documents. The role offers opportunities for accelerated development and mentorship within a dynamic environment focused on technology and life sciences. Competitive compensation and benefits include a hybrid work model with relocation support.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of M&A experience at a leading corporate firm.
• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction OR eligibility to waive in within 3–6 months.
• Strong academic credentials from a top law school.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience managing key parts of M&A deal processes.

Responsibilities

• Work on complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions.
• Lead and manage key workstreams, with increasing autonomy.
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents.
• Advise clients ranging from startups to global market leaders.
• Collaborate closely with partners and senior associates.

Skills

M&A experience

Excellent drafting skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Strong academic credentials from a top law school

Job description

Base Pay Range

$260,000.00/yr - $310,000.00/yr

Relocation support is available, and admission to or eligibility to waive into the relevant jurisdiction within 3–6 months is required.

About the Opportunity

If you’re craving a corporate practice that actually feels different—one that pairs Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial energy with the rigor of a nationally recognized M&A powerhouse—you’ll feel at home here. Our client is one of the most respected technology-focused law firms in the country, advising the companies reshaping how the world works. You’ll join a premier M&A group completing industry-defining transactions across tech and life sciences, while working in a culture known for authenticity, humility, and zero pretense. If you want world-class deal exposure without the rigid hierarchy of traditional BigLaw, this is it.

About the Firm

Our client is a nationally recognized law firm known for its deep alignment with technology and life sciences companies—from early-stage startups to global public leaders. The M&A practice has been honored repeatedly as one of the top technology deal teams in the country and has completed over $750 billion in transactions in recent years, including high-profile strategic exits and complex cross-border acquisitions.

• A free-market staffing model that empowers associates to chart their own course
• A down-to-earth, West Coast-influenced culture that values authenticity, collaboration, and autonomy
• An environment where associates grow quickly, build meaningful relationships with partners, and have pathways both to partnership and to outstanding in‑house roles at top technology companies

Role Overview

We are seeking a Mid-Level Corporate M&A Associate with 3–5 years of experience at a leading law firm. This individual will join a highly selective, high-performing M&A group that handles sophisticated transactions across the technology and life sciences sectors.

This role is available in the following offices:

• New York
• Seattle

Relocation support is available, and admission to or eligibility to waive into the relevant jurisdiction within 3–6 months is required.

What You’ll Do

• Work on complex domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, including strategic acquisitions, divestitures, carve‑outs, and multi‑party deals
• Lead and manage key workstreams, with increasing autonomy as you demonstrate capability
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents
• Advise clients ranging from hyper‑growth startups to global market leaders
• Collaborate closely with partners and senior associates who invest deeply in associate development
• Participate in a free‑market staffing environment where you can choose deals and partners that align with your interests
• Build expertise across technology and life sciences deal‑making
• Contribute to a practice known for speed, sophistication, and incredibly high client service standards

What Makes This Role Different

• True free‑market model: You choose your work, your partners, and your trajectory.
• West Coast culture across all offices: No ego, no pretense, just exceptional attorneys who care about the work and each other.
• Accelerated development: Associates here grow faster because they get hands‑on, meaningful deal responsibility early.
• Top‑tier training & mentorship: Through a structured "university" model and practice management support.
• Elite client base: You’ll work with the most innovative companies in tech and life sciences.
• Realistic career pathways: Many associates successfully move in‑house to high‑caliber tech clients; others build long‑term careers at the firm.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required

• 3–5 years of M&A experience at a leading corporate firm
• Active bar membership in the relevant jurisdiction OR eligibility to waive in within 3–6 months
• Strong academic credentials from a top law school
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills
• Demonstrated experience managing key parts of M&A deal processes
• Experience or interest in technology and/or life sciences

Preferred

• Significant M&A deal sheet demonstrating complexity and leadership on workstreams
• Exposure to cross-border deals
• Prior experience with technology companies, startup clients, or innovation-driven acquirers

Compensation

Base salary ranges from $260,000 – $310,000 depending on level and location, with eligibility for discretionary bonus. The firm follows a tiered competency-based leveling system aligned with market-leading compensation structures.

Benefits

• Life and disability insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness programs
• Hybrid work model (3 days in office)

Please note that if we decide to move you forward into the process we will ask you to provide a deal sheet and law school transcripts.