Private Equity & M&A Associate, High-Impact Deals

White-; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 310,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

White & Case in Chicago is seeking a mid-level associate with private equity and/or M&A experience to join the M&A Corporate practice. The role focuses on advising privately held and high-growth companies, venture funds, and sponsors on equity financings, mergers, and related corporate matters.

Ideal candidates possess strong drafting, writing and analytical skills, with a commercial mindset and ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of substantive M&A and Private Equity experience at a leading law firm, with a strong foundation in public and private company transactions.
• Experience representing buyers, sellers, and financial sponsors in domestic and cross‑border mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
• Ability to run discrete aspects of transactions independently, with appropriate supervision.
• Exercises sound legal and commercial judgment; identifies issues early and proposes practical, business‑oriented solutions.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and creative thinking when addressing complex legal and structural issues.
• Anticipates client needs and maintains a service-oriented mindset consistent with client expectations.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong academic record and excellent legal drafting and analytical skills.
• Contributes to a collaborative, high-performing deal team culture.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admitted to the Illinois bar (or ability to become admitted) and in good standing.
• Strong time management skills, ability to stay calm under pressure when juggling multiple projects.
• Proactive, resourceful, takes initiative and a self-starter.
• Fluency in English

Responsibilities

• Advising and leading drafting efforts for all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, private equity transactions, joint ventures and investments for sophisticated public and private clients.
• Leading on due diligence
• Conducting and overseeing legal research
• Ensuring clients’ interests are properly represented and protected at all times

Skills

M&A experience

Private equity

Drafting & negotiation

Deal execution & project management

Education

JD degree

Illinois bar admission or eligibility

Job description

White & Case in Chicago is seeking a mid-level associate with private equity and/or M&A experience to join the M&A Corporate practice. The role focuses on advising privately held and high-growth companies, venture funds, and sponsors on equity financings, mergers, and related corporate matters.

Ideal candidates possess strong drafting, writing and analytical skills, with a commercial mindset and ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.