M&A Associate (Junior Associate – Counsel)

Buchanan; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive medical, dental, andVision

401(k) with firm contribution

Paid time off and firm holidays

Parental leave and family support

Job summary

Buchanan in San Francisco seeks an M&A Associate to support a steady pipeline of high-profile corporate transactions in technology, life sciences, and growth sectors.

You will advise on acquisitions, mergers, and strategic investments, draft and negotiate agreements, and coordinate due diligence with cross-functional teams, including tax, IP, and regulatory specialists. This role offers significant client exposure and fast-paced deal work.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited U.S. law school
• Approximately 1–6+ years of relevant M&A or corporate transactional experience
• Admission to practice law in California, or eligible to waive in
• Strong drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple transactions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, commercially minded approach

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on a wide range of M&A transactions, including public and private company acquisitions, mergers, carve-outs, and strategic investments
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation, including purchase agreements, merger agreements, disclosure schedules, and ancillary documents
• Coordinate and manage legal due diligence processes, identifying key risks and key commercial issues
• Support transaction execution from structuring through signing and closing
• Work collaboratively with specialists across tax, finance, employment, intellectual property, and regulatory teams
• Interact directly with clients, investment bankers, and opposing counsel on transaction matters
• For more senior associates and counsel, assume increased responsibility for deal management and mentoring junior team members

Skills

Drafting

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California Bar admission or eligible to waive in

Job description

Overview

At the center of some of the most transformative deals in the technology and innovation economy, the firm is a leading law firm with a standout corporate practice in San Francisco. The firm advises founders, growth-stage companies, global corporations, private equity sponsors, and financial investors on complex and strategic M&A transactions across the United States and internationally.

Known for its commercial mindset and sophisticated deal execution, the firm offers a platform where lawyers are deeply embedded in client strategy and transaction decision-making, rather than operating at arm’s length.

About the Role

The firm is seeking an M&A Associate to join its San Francisco corporate practice, with openings ranging from junior associate through counsel level. This role offers the opportunity to work on a steady pipeline of high-profile, fast-moving transactions, particularly within the technology, life sciences, and emerging growth sectors.

The successful candidate will play a key role in executing domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments, working closely with partners and clients throughout the entire deal lifecycle.

What You’ll Do

• Advise clients on a wide range of M&A transactions, including public and private company acquisitions, mergers, carve-outs, and strategic investments
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documentation, including purchase agreements, merger agreements, disclosure schedules, and ancillary documents
• Coordinate and manage legal due diligence processes, identifying key risks and key commercial issues
• Support transaction execution from structuring through signing and closing
• Work collaboratively with specialists across tax, finance, employment, intellectual property, and regulatory teams
• Interact directly with clients, investment bankers, and opposing counsel on transaction matters
• For more senior associates and counsel, assume increased responsibility for deal management and mentoring junior team members

About You

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school
• Approximately 1–6+ years of relevant M&A or corporate transactional experience gained at a reputable law firm
• Admission to practice law in California, or eligibility to waive in
• Strong understanding of M&A transaction mechanics and market practice
• Excellent drafting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple transactions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, commercially minded approach

Why Apply?

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution
• Generous paid time off and firm holidays
• Paid parental leave and family support benefits
• Bar dues, CLEs, and professional memberships covered
• Wellness, mental health, and employee assistance programs
• Flexible or hybrid work arrangements, subject to role and client needs
• Exposure to cutting-edge M&A transactions in the technology and innovation space
• Early and meaningful responsibility with direct client access
• Strong mentorship and clear progression pathways from junior associate through counsel
• A collaborative, inclusive culture with an emphasis on excellence and professional growth
• A leading platform for long-term career development in corporate law