M&A Associate (Austin)

DLA Piper LLP (US); Austin (TX); On-site; USD 235,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

DLA Piper in Austin seeks a junior to mid-level associate to join our market-leading M&A group. You will work on large, sophisticated transactions with cross-border elements and high-profile clients.

Applicants should have 2–7 years of M&A experience, a JD from an accredited law school, Texas Bar admission (or waiver), and strong academic credentials from a nationally recognized school. This is an in-office role based in Austin; remote candidates will not be considered.

Qualifications

• 2–7 years of M&A experience at a big law firm.
• JD degree from an accredited law school.
• Texas Bar admission or ability to waive in.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support complex domestic and cross-border corporate, finance, real estate, tax, employment, and other transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing activities.
• Conduct legal due diligence, analyze findings, identify risks, and develop practical recommendations for clients.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and revise contracts, transaction documents, disclosure schedules, and ancillary agreements.
• Structure transactions and provide strategic advice regarding legal, regulatory, business, and operational considerations.
• Support deal execution, including managing timelines, coordinating workstreams, and facilitating communication among transaction parties.
• Participate in negotiations with clients, counterparties, lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage transaction closings, including closing documentation, signatures, funds flow, and post-closing obligations.
• Analyze and advise on applicable regulatory requirements, governance matters, and compliance considerations affecting transactions.

Skills

M&A experience

Legal research

Attention to detail

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Judgment

Organization

Independence & collaboration

Education

JD degree

Bar admission in Texas or waiver

Job description

About DLA Piper

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive. Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm. Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career. Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

DLA Piper is seeking a junior to mid-level associate to join our market-leading M&A group in the Austin office. Candidates should have a primary focus on mergers & acquisitions, with level-appropriate experience working on large, sophisticated transactions. Attorneys with either strategic or private equity M&A experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates must have direct and applicable big law firm experience, immediately transferable skills and strong academic backgrounds from nationally recognized schools. Candidates also must be admitted to practice in Texas or be able to waive in without the need for taking the Texas bar. This is an in-office position based in the Austin office. Remote candidates will not be considered.

Education & Experience

• JD Degree from an accredited law school
• Bar Admission Licensed to practice in Texas or able to waive in
• Experience 2-7 years of M&A experience
• Direct and applicable AmLaw 100 law firm required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and support complex domestic and cross-border corporate, finance, real estate, tax, employment, and other transactional matters from inception through closing and post-closing activities.
• Conduct legal due diligence, analyze findings, identify risks, and develop practical recommendations for clients.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and revise contracts, transaction documents, disclosure schedules, and ancillary agreements.
• Structure transactions and provide strategic advice regarding legal, regulatory, business, and operational considerations.
• Support deal execution, including managing timelines, coordinating workstreams, and facilitating communication among transaction parties.
• Participate in negotiations with clients, counterparties, lenders, investors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage transaction closings, including closing documentation, signatures, funds flow, and post-closing obligations.
• Analyze and advise on applicable regulatory requirements, governance matters, and compliance considerations affecting transactions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary legal teams and business professionals to deliver integrated solutions that support client objectives and successful transaction outcomes.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good business and professional judgment.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Conceptual thinking.
• Persuasive communication.
• Management skills.

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to permit individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions and responsibilities of the position or to participate in the job selection process. If you have a request for an accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Pay Transparency

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $235,000 - $420,000 per year depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Disclaimer

This job description provides a concise overview of the role and is not intended to describe all work elements that may be performed. It should not serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions. Job duties, requirements, and expectations may be modified at the firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not alter the at-will nature of employment. We are committed to excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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