Mergers and Acquisitions Associate

Partners Legal Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Partners Legal Search seeks a midlevel to senior Corporate Associate in Chicago with substantial M&A, private equity, and corporate finance experience to join its transactional practice.

The associate will lead sophisticated transactions, supervise junior team members, and develop client relationships while handling ownership of deals and collaborating with clients and external advisors.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• 4+ years of sophisticated corporate transactional experience.
• Significant experience with M&A and/or private equity transactions.
• Experience managing transactions with limited supervision.
• Strong background in buy-side and sell-side deal work.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills.
• Ability to supervise junior attorneys.
• Interest in developing client relationships and building a long-term corporate practice.

Responsibilities

• Leading and managing transaction processes from structuring to closing.
• Conducting and overseeing complex due diligence.
• Drafting and negotiating purchase and merger agreements and related documents.
• Advising private equity sponsors and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle.
• Coordinating with clients, opposing counsel, bankers, and other advisors.
• Managing multiple sophisticated transactions simultaneously.
• Supervising and mentoring junior associates and support staff.
• Developing strong client relationships and supporting business development.

Skills

M&A experience

Private equity

Corporate finance

Drafting and negotiating

Client relationships

Mentoring junior attorneys

Leadership

Attention to detail

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Our national law firm client is seeking a midlevel to senior Corporate Associate with substantial experience in M&A, private equity, and corporate finance to join its growing transactional practice in Chicago.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced corporate attorney looking to take greater ownership of sophisticated transactions, work directly with clients, supervise junior team members, and continue developing their own client relationships and business.

The practice advises public and private companies, private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic buyers and sellers, investors, and other market participants across a broad range of industries.

Role Overview

The associate will play a significant role in managing sophisticated corporate transactions from inception through closing, including:

• Mergers and acquisitions
• Private equity-sponsored transactions
• Buy-side and sell-side transactions
• Acquisitions and divestitures
• Strategic investments and joint ventures
• Equity structuring and recapitalizations
• Debt and corporate finance transactions
• Entity formation and corporate structuring
• Corporate governance and ongoing operational matters

Responsibilities may include:

• Leading and managing transaction processes from initial structuring through closing
• Conducting and overseeing complex due diligence
• Drafting and negotiating purchase agreements, merger agreements, governance documents, financing agreements, and related transaction documents
• Advising private equity sponsors and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle
• Coordinating with clients, opposing counsel, investment bankers, accountants, and other third-party advisors
• Managing multiple sophisticated transactions simultaneously
• Supervising and mentoring junior associates and support professionals
• Developing strong client relationships and participating in business development initiatives

Candidate Profile

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• 4+ years of sophisticated corporate transactional experience
• Significant experience with M&A and/or private equity transactions
• Experience managing transactions with limited supervision
• Strong background in buy-side and sell-side deal work
• Experience with corporate finance and complex transaction structures
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills
• Ability to work directly and confidently with clients and third-party advisors
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to supervise and mentor junior attorneys
• Interest in developing client relationships and building a long-term corporate practice
• Admission in good standing required where applicable

Additional experience involving commercial agreements, technology transactions, lending, real estate, transactional tax, international clients, or cross-border transactions is a plus.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Work on sophisticated M&A, private equity, and finance transactions
• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic buyers and sellers, and other sophisticated clients
• Take meaningful ownership of transactions from inception through closing
• Opportunity to mentor and manage junior associates
• Broad transactional exposure across multiple industries
• Collaborative and team-oriented corporate practice
• Opportunity to strengthen client relationships and develop your own business over time
• Strong platform for an associate looking to advance toward a more senior role within a corporate practice