M&A Associate - Cravath Scale

Pathfinder Legal Placement; New York (NY); On-site; USD 235,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathfinder Legal Placement is recruiting for Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 M&A Associates with 2 to 7 years of experience for its New York, Miami, or Washington, D.C. offices.

These roles offer exposure to sophisticated corporate and M&A matters, representing public and private companies, investors, and private equity sponsors across complex transactions. Base salary ranges from $235,000 to $420,000 with Cravath-scale compensation; bonus potential is $30,000 to $115,000 based on performance

Qualifications

• 2 to 7 years of corporate transactional experience at a prestigious firm
• Direct experience with structuring and negotiating transactions, due diligence, and related documents
• Demonstrated ability to manage work-streams and supervise junior team members
• JD from a top law school with strong academic credentials
• Admitted in NY, FL, or DC (or eligible to waive in)

Responsibilities

• Represent public and private companies, investors, and PE sponsors in M&A, corporate governance, and advisory matters
• Manage multiple transactions and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Interact with clients, investment bankers, and other advisors
• Supervise junior team members at the appropriate level

Skills

Corporate transactional experience

M&A expertise

Client interaction

Leadership/ supervision

Education

JD from top law school

Job description

As a former Big Law corporate associate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the lateral market without clear guidance. I went through the process myself and ultimately lateraled to an AmLaw 5 firm, which gives me a practical perspective on what actually matters to firms and how candidates can position themselves effectively.

I'm currently recruiting for Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 firms seeking M&A Associates with 2 to 7 years of experience for their New York, Miami, or Washington D.C. offices. These are core seats on sophisticated corporate and M&A practices, representing public and private companies, investors, and private equity sponsors across mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex business transactions. Teams also handle day-to-day corporate governance and general corporate advisory work.

Key Qualifications

• 2 to 7 years of corporate transactional experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or elite boutique, with a strong emphasis on public and/or private M&A
• Direct experience with one or more of the following: structuring and negotiating transactions, drafting purchase agreements and ancillary documentation, managing legal due diligence, private equity or private target M&A, entity formation and maintenance, or corporate finance
• Demonstrated ability to manage work-streams and, at the appropriate level, supervise junior team members
• JD from a top law school with strong academic credentials
• Admitted in New York, Florida, or D.C. (depending on office), or eligible to waive in

Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Ability to interact effectively with clients, investment bankers, and other advisors
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ownership mentality and ability to assume a high degree of responsibility

Compensation

Base salary: $235,000 to $420,000, Cravath scale and class-year dependent

Bonus range: $30,000 to $115,000, based on performance and seniority

About Pathfinder

At Pathfinder, I've built our process entirely around the candidate experience, not just firm demand. Since leaving practice, I've helped associates nationwide secure multiple Cravath-scale offers at top firms.

We've placed numerous M&A associates at AmLaw 100 firms and continue to see strong hiring momentum across corporate and M&A practices.

If you're interested in learning more about these M&A opportunities in New York, Miami, or D.C., feel free to reach out through our website at https://www.lawpathfinder.com/. All inquiries are confidential.