Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Corporate / Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney

Location: Chicago, IL
Salary: $235,000–$390,000

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate / Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney to join a leading global law firm's Global Corporate Group in Chicago. This opportunity is ideal for a mid-level associate with 3–6 years of experience representing private equity funds, institutional investors, family offices, alternative asset managers, and portfolio companies in sophisticated corporate and transactional matters.

The successful candidate will play an integral role on deal teams, taking meaningful responsibility for client communications, negotiations, transaction management, and drafting across a range of middle-market and complex Mergers & Acquisitions and private equity transactions.

Responsibilities

• Represent private equity funds, institutional investors, family offices, alternative asset managers, and portfolio companies in sophisticated corporate transactions.

• Advise clients on leveraged buyouts, add-on acquisitions, divestitures, growth investments, strategic joint ventures, and general portfolio company matters.

• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements, equity agreements, investment agreements, and other transaction documents.

• Manage key aspects of transactions from due diligence through closing.

• Lead or co-lead client communications and negotiation calls.

• Serve as a key member of deal teams and coordinate with clients, opposing counsel, financial advisors, and other transaction professionals.

• Conduct and manage legal due diligence and identify and address transaction risks.

• Prepare client-ready acquisition, equity, and related transactional documents.

• Assist with transaction structuring and strategic decision-making.

• Manage multiple transactions across varying sizes and levels of complexity, with middle-market transaction experience preferred.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.

• 3–6 years of experience in corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, and/or private equity law.

• Significant experience representing private equity funds, institutional investors, family offices, alternative asset managers, and/or portfolio companies.

• Hands-on experience drafting and negotiating complex Mergers & Acquisitions and private equity transaction documents.

• Experience with leveraged buyouts, add-on acquisitions, divestitures, growth investments, and strategic joint ventures.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of key transaction workstreams and manage matters from due diligence through closing.

• Strong client communication and negotiation skills, including experience leading or co-leading calls.

• Excellent drafting, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative deal environment.

• Middle-market transaction experience is preferred.

• Active Illinois Bar admission required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $235,000–$390,000 , depending on experience and qualifications.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.

• Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.

• Paid family leave, sick time, and vacation.

• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

• College savings and education assistance programs.

• Transportation benefits.

• Backup childcare and pet insurance.

• Excess liability insurance.

• Opportunity to work on sophisticated Mergers & Acquisitions and private equity transactions with leading investors and portfolio companies while taking meaningful responsibility on deal teams.