Mid-Level Corporate / M&A / Private Equity Associate

Lateral Link; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 235,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

Lateral Link is seeking a Mid-Level Corporate/M&A/Private Equity Associate with 3–6 years of transactional experience to join a premier global law firm in Chicago. The corporate group represents the largest practice in the Chicago office, combining the welcoming culture and close-knit environment of a mid-size firm with the sophisticated resources and expansive reach of a global platform.

In this role, you will work alongside several Chicago partners who serve in major firmwide leadership roles,

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of hands-on corporate, M&A, and private equity deal experience.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of deal teams from due diligence through closing – drafting transaction documents, leading client communications, and driving negotiations.
• Lead and manage complex transactional matters for private equity funds, institutional investors, family offices, alternative asset managers, and portfolio companies.

Job description

Lateral Link is conducting a search for a Mid-Level Corporate/M&A/Private Equity Associate with 3–6 years of transactional experience to join a premier global law firm in Chicago. The corporate group represents the largest practice in the Chicago office, combining the welcoming culture and close-knit environment of a mid-size firm with the sophisticated resources and expansive reach of a global platform.

In this role, you will work alongside several Chicago partners who serve in major firmwide leadership roles, offering rare, direct exposure to key decision-makers. The firm is deeply committed to associate advancement, maintaining a strong track record of promotion for mid- and senior-level attorneys.

Position Highlights:

• Practice Focus: Lead and manage complex transactional matters for private equity funds, institutional investors, family offices, alternative asset managers, and portfolio companies.
• Scope of Work: Direct involvement in leveraged buy-outs, add-on acquisitions, divestitures, growth investments, strategic joint ventures, and general corporate governance, with an emphasis on middle-market transactions.
• Responsibilities: Take ownership of deal teams from due diligence through closing – drafting transaction documents, leading client communications, and driving negotiations.
• Salary Range: $235,000 – $390,000 (commensurate with experience and class year).

Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of hands-on corporate, M&A, and private equity deal experience.
• Demonstrated ability to produce client-ready transaction documents and run major aspects of complex deals.
• Active member in good standing of the Illinois State Bar.