Corporate Associate Attorney (M&A & Private Equity)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate to join a premier Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity practice in New York. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney looking to work on sophisticated transactions for leading private equity sponsors and corporate clients while gaining significant responsibility, direct client exposure, and long-term career growth opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have substantial M&A experience, strong drafting and deal management skills, and the ability to lead complex transactions with increasing independence.

Responsibilities

• Advise corporate clients and private equity funds on complex transactional matters
• Represent clients in:
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Private equity investments
  • Minority investments
  • Strategic transactions
  • General corporate matters
• Draft and negotiate acquisition agreements and ancillary transaction documents
• Lead transaction execution from letter of intent through closing
• Conduct and manage legal due diligence processes
• Coordinate transaction teams, specialists, and closing activities
• Advise clients on corporate governance and transactional issues
• Work directly with management teams, investors, boards, and opposing counsel
• Support business development and client relationship initiatives

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Law school class years 2018–2021
• Significant experience handling M&A transactions
• Strong understanding of corporate law and market transaction terms
• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating transaction documents
• Proven deal management experience
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication abilities
• Strong business judgment and client-service skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an interest in client development
• Ability to manage matters independently and assume significant responsibility
• Outstanding academic credentials

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $310,000 – $420,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a premier M&A and Private Equity practice
• Work on sophisticated transactions for leading private equity sponsors and corporate clients
• Significant client contact and hands-on responsibility
• Opportunity to manage complex deals and build client relationships
• Entrepreneurial environment with substantial autonomy and growth potential
• Strong mentorship, professional development, and partnership-track opportunities

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.