Private Companies Associate Attorney Life Sciences

Job Description

Job Description

Private Companies Associate Attorney – Life Sciences | Palo Alto, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Private Companies Associate Attorney with a focus on the life sciences industry to join a nationally recognized law firm's elite Private Companies practice in its Palo Alto, CA office. This is an exciting opportunity for an attorney with 3–6 years of substantial corporate transactional experience advising early-stage and growth-stage companies, particularly venture-backed businesses operating in the life sciences sector.

The successful candidate will advise innovative life sciences companies and the investors who support them on a broad range of corporate matters throughout their growth and development. The practice regularly counsels life sciences businesses of all sizes, providing strategic legal guidance on venture capital financings, general corporate matters, and liquidity events.

In addition to sophisticated client work, this position offers meaningful opportunities to develop a practice, participate in industry speaking engagements, and contribute to the continued growth of the firm's national Private Companies platform.

Responsibilities:

• Represent early-stage, emerging, and growth-stage life sciences companies in a broad range of corporate and transactional matters.

• Advise venture-backed companies throughout their corporate lifecycle, from early-stage development through later-stage financing and liquidity events.

• Structure, negotiate, and execute venture capital financing transactions.

• Provide ongoing general corporate counseling, including guidance on corporate governance and strategic business matters.

• Advise investors in connection with investments in life sciences and other emerging companies.

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships within the life sciences and venture capital communities.

• Take an active role in building and developing a practice through business development initiatives and industry speaking engagements.

• Contribute to the continued expansion of the firm's national Private Companies platform.

Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of substantial corporate transactional experience, with at least 3 years advising early-stage and growth-stage companies.

• Significant experience working with venture-backed companies, particularly within the life sciences industry.

• Strong experience advising clients on venture capital financings, liquidity events, and general corporate matters.

• Prior experience in the corporate department of a national or international law firm.

• Demonstrated experience representing life sciences companies.

• Excellent academic credentials and a strong academic record from a nationally recognized law school.

• Superior transactional drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

• Interest in business development, practice building, and contributing to a growing national practice.

Compensation & Benefits:

The anticipated annual base salary range for this position is $260,000–$390,000 , with final compensation dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skill set.

The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.

• Life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, long-term disability, short-term medical benefits, and long-term care coverage.

• Four weeks of accrued vacation annually and two weeks of sick time.

• 10 paid holidays each year.

• Generous parental leave and fertility benefits.

• Backup care for children and adults, along with additional parental support resources.

• Pre-tax commuter benefits.

Interested in Learning More?

Corporate attorneys with 3–6 years of experience advising life sciences companies, emerging businesses, and venture-backed clients are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a strong background in venture capital financings and an interest in developing their own practice within the life sciences sector are particularly encouraged to explore this opportunity.

Please submit your resume to Direct Counsel for confidential consideration. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the position and how it may align with your career goals.