M&A Associate Attorney

thrively

San Francisco (CA)

Hybrid

USD 260,000 - 310,000

Full time

14 days+

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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