Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney

Cognizant; Nashville (TN); Remote; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid holidays / PTO

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking an experienced M&A Attorney to join the Corporate Development legal group. You will lead U.S. and international transactions, guiding the deal lifecycle from structuring through closing and integration.

The role requires five years of M&A, top-tier law firm experience, and strong cross-functional collaboration across tax, finance, HR, IP, and compliance. This is a remote position within the United States.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of mergers and acquisitions experience.
• Top law firm experience focused on U.S. and cross-border M&A.
• Strong project management and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Draft and negotiate definitive transaction documents (SPAs, DI letters, reps & warranties, LOIs, NDAs).
• Lead M&A deal attorney with transaction lifecycle responsibility from structuring to closing.
• Conduct due diligence and summarize findings for Investment Committee.
• Collaborate with tax, finance, HR, IP, legal, privacy, IT and security teams.
• Support integration planning for acquired businesses.
• Coordinate and oversee external M&A counsel.
• Provide legal guidance on Corporate Development and Cognizant M&A activities.

Skills

M&A experience

Project management

Communication skills

Independent / team player

Judgment / issue spotting

Ownership / accountability

Education

Undergraduate degree & J.D.

Job description

About Cognizant Corporate

Cognizant Corporate is a global community united by a shared purpose: to make a meaningful impact. We are committed to excellence and driven by outcomes that matter. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and our forward-thinking mindset fuels continuous learning, innovation, and growth.

At Cognizant, careers transcend titles. We empower our people to think strategically, inspire others, and lead with purpose, always guided by our core values.

About the role

As a Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Attorney, you will be a key member of the M&A legal group, supporting the Corporate Development department with an emphasis on U.S. transactions while also handling international transactions. You will serve as a lead M&A deal attorney and provide leadership and support across the transaction lifecycle, from structuring and due diligence through documentation, signing, closing, and integration.

In this role, you will:

• Draft and negotiate definitive transaction documents, including sale and purchase agreements, disclosure letters, representations and warranties insurance documents, letters of intent, and confidentiality agreements.

• Serve as the lead M&A deal attorney, providing leadership and support for transaction structuring, due diligence, documentation, signing, and closing.

• Conduct legal due diligence on target companies and summarize key findings for the Corporate Development department and the company’s Investment Committee.

• Collaborate with specialists supporting Corporate Development, including tax, finance and accounting, HR, intellectual property, commercial contracting, ethics and compliance, privacy, IT, and security.

• Support Corporate Development’s integration group in developing and executing integration plans for acquired businesses.

• Coordinate and oversee the work of outside M&A counsel.

• Provide legal advice on matters related to Corporate Development and Cognizant’s M&A activities.

Embrace our vibrant culture by striving for excellence, focusing on meaningful outcomes, and collaborating effectively. Prioritize quality, stay curious, and commit to continuous learning. Take ownership, build relationships, and focus on personal growth to help drive business strategy and create impactful work.

What you must have to be considered

• At least five years of experience in mergers and acquisitions.

• Undergraduate and J.D. degrees from well-recognized institutions.

• Top law firm experience focused on public and private mergers and acquisitions in the United States and across borders.

• Diverse and complex M&A transactional experience, with the ability to apply that experience in new settings.

• A deep understanding of the end-to-end M&A process, from deal inception through the integration of an acquired business.

• Strong project-management skills and attention to detail, including the ability to organize, plan, coordinate, and implement large, cross-functional projects.

• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Sound judgment, including the ability to identify red-flag issues and elevate them when required.

• The ability to contribute to discussions of general business issues and advise internal stakeholders in a manner consistent with the company’s goals and culture.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with the Corporate Development department and supporting specialists.

• A strong sense of ownership, a desire to create meaningful outcomes, and passion for work that serves a greater good for customers, communities, or global challenges.

• The embodiment of Cognizant’s values: Work as One, Dare to Innovate, Raise the Bar, Do the Right Thing, and Own It.

These will help you succeed

• M&A experience involving technology or professional-services companies.

• Previous in-house M&A experience.

Work model – Remote

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in the United States. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.

We’re excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until November 12,2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $155,000 - $175,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits : Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term/Short-term Disability

• Paid Parental Leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.