M&A Associate - Cravath Scale

As a former Big Law corporate associate, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the lateral market without clear guidance. I went through the process myself and ultimately lateraled to an AmLaw 5 firm, which gives me a practical perspective on what actually matters to firms and how candidates can position themselves effectively.

I'm currently recruiting for Cravath-scale AmLaw 100 firms seeking M&A Associates with 2 to 7 years of experience for their New York, Miami, or Washington D.C. offices. These are core seats on sophisticated corporate and M&A practices, representing public and private companies, investors, and private equity sponsors across mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other complex business transactions. Teams also handle day-to-day corporate governance and general corporate advisory work.

Key Qualifications

• 2 to 7 years of corporate transactional experience at an AmLaw 200 firm or elite boutique, with a strong emphasis on public and/or private M&A
• Direct experience with one or more of the following: structuring and negotiating transactions, drafting purchase agreements and ancillary documentation, managing legal due diligence, private equity or private target M&A, entity formation and maintenance, or corporate finance
• Demonstrated ability to manage work-streams and, at the appropriate level, supervise junior team members
• JD from a top law school with strong academic credentials
• Admitted in New York, Florida, or D.C. (depending on office), or eligible to waive in

Desired Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
• Ability to interact effectively with clients, investment bankers, and other advisors
• Ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ownership mentality and ability to assume a high degree of responsibility

Compensation

Base salary: $235,000 to $420,000, Cravath scale and class-year dependent

Bonus range: $30,000 to $115,000, based on performance and seniority

About Pathfinder

At Pathfinder, I've built our process entirely around the candidate experience, not just firm demand. Since leaving practice, I've helped associates nationwide secure multiple Cravath-scale offers at top firms.

We've placed numerous M&A associates at AmLaw 100 firms and continue to see strong hiring momentum across corporate and M&A practices.

If you're interested in learning more about these M&A opportunities in New York, Miami, or D.C., or if you simply want candid guidance from someone who has been in your position, feel free to reach out through our website at or apply directly. All inquiries are confidential.