Transactional Labor & Employment Associate

Advocates Legal Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 260,000 - 390,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates Legal Recruiting is representing a major AmLaw 100 client seeking a Labor & Employment Associate with a transactional focus in Chicago, with options in Dallas, Charlotte, or Pittsburgh.

The role blends labor and employment diligence with deal-driven governance support, embedded in corporate deal teams for high-value transactions involving executive mobility and restrictive covenants. Compensation includes a top-market base and bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of experience in labor and employment or corporate transactional work.
• Exposure to M&A or private equity transactions preferred.
• Strong drafting background with employment and restrictive covenant agreements.

Responsibilities

• Support labor and employment diligence in M&A and private equity deals
• Draft and negotiate executive employment, separation, and restrictive covenant agreements
• Advise on non-compete and non-solicit enforceability across jurisdictions
• Guide post-closing workforce integration and leadership transitions
• Work directly with senior executives on governance and personnel risk tied to transactions

Skills

Labor & Employment experience

Corporate transactional experience

Strong drafting background

Job description

Transactional Labor & Employment Associate

Chicago, United States | Posted on 07/21/2026

Labor & Employment Associate | Transactional Focus | AmLaw 100 Platform

Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte, or Pittsburgh.

Our AmLaw 10^th client is building out a Labor and Employment group that sits directly inside high-value deal work. This is a 3–6 year role for associates who want more than advisory or litigation lanes and prefer to be embedded in transactions where personnel issues shape outcomes.

You will work alongside corporate deal teams and private equity sponsors on matters where employment considerations affect valuation, structure, and post-closing execution. The practice blends transactional support with strategic counseling on executive mobility, restrictive covenants, and sensitive workforce decisions.

Role Summary

• Support labor and employment diligence in M&A and private equity deals
• Draft and negotiate executive employment, separation, and restrictive covenant agreements
• Advise on non-compete and non-solicit enforceability across jurisdictions
• Guide post-closing workforce integration and leadership transitions
• Work directly with senior executives on governance and personnel risk tied to transactions

Candidate Profile

• 3–6 years of experience in labor and employment or corporate transactional work
• Exposure to M&A or private equity transactions preferred
• Strong drafting background with employment and restrictive covenant agreements
• Comfortable operating in deal-driven environments with tight timelines
• Clear communicator with sound judgment and the ability to prioritize under pressure

Why This Role

This is not a traditional L&E seat. You are positioned at the intersection of employment law and corporate transactions, working on matters where your input carries weight in real time. The group is integrated with deal teams, giving you visibility into strategy, client decision-making, and sponsor priorities. The firm continues to invest in technology, including AI-driven tools, to reduce administrative work and keep associates focused on higher-value analysis.

Compensation is at the top of the market, with a base range of $260K to $390K, plus bonus opportunities. Multiple office options including Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte, and Pittsburgh.