Associate Attorney

Client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Attorney Associate to join the firm, which has a primary focus on business and corporate transactional matters. The Associate will manage the day-to-day legal needs of an active client roster, draft and negotiate a broad range of commercial and corporate agreements, conduct due diligence and transactional analysis, and provide substantive support to partners and senior attorneys on complex corporate matters. This role suits an attorney who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, communicates clearly and confidently with clients, and takes ownership of matters from inception through closing.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Matter Management

• Serve as day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients, managing communications, expectations, deadlines, and deliverables throughout the life of a matter
• Independently manage a caseload of business and corporate matters under partner supervision, escalating complex or high-risk issues appropriately
• Provide timely, practical, and business-oriented legal advice tailored to each client's industry and objectives
• Build and maintain strong client relationships characterized by responsiveness, clarity, and trust
• Maintain organized case files, matter budgets, engagement letters, and billing records in compliance with firm policy
• Track matter status and proactively communicate progress, risks, and next steps to clients and supervising attorneys
• Identify opportunities to expand the scope of service for existing clients and support the firm's broader business development efforts

Corporate & Transactional Work

Entity Formation & Corporate Governance

• Advise on selection and formation of business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships, joint ventures) based on client goals, and liability exposure
• Draft and revise formation documents, including articles of incorporation/organization, bylaws, operating agreements, partnership agreements, and shareholder agreements
• Prepare corporate resolutions, consents, meeting minutes, and other governance documents
• Manage entity maintenance matters, including annual filings, registered agent changes, foreign qualifications, and good-standing certifications
• Advise on corporate structuring, equity issuances, cap table matters, and founder/investor arrangements

Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Transactions

• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements for asset and stock transactions
• Conduct legal due diligence, including review of contracts, corporate records, licenses, litigation history, and regulatory compliance
• Prepare due diligence memoranda summarizing findings, risks, and recommended deal terms
• Assist with structuring transactions, drafting term sheets and letters of intent, and coordinating closing checklists and closing deliverables
• Support post-closing integration matters, including assignment and assumption agreements and transition services arrangements

Commercial Contracts

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including vendor and supply agreements, licensing agreements, distribution agreements, services agreements, and non-disclosure agreements
• Review and negotiate leases, financing documents, and loan agreements on behalf of business clients
• Draft and revise employment agreements, independent contractor agreements, and restrictive covenants (non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality provisions)
• Advise clients on contract risk, liability allocation, indemnification provisions, and enforceability issues

Regulatory & Compliance Support

• Research and analyze corporate, contract, and industry-specific regulatory issues affecting client matters
• Assist clients with compliance matters related to licensing, corporate filings, and applicable state and federal business regulations
• Monitor changes in relevant law and advise clients and firm attorneys on potential impact to ongoing matters

Support to Partners & Senior Attorneys

• Assist senior attorneys in preparing for client meetings, negotiations, and transaction closings
• Prepare legal memoranda, deal summaries, and issue analyses on business and corporate law matters
• Support senior attorneys on larger or more complex transactional matters, including multi-party or cross-border deals
• Coordinate with paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff to ensure efficient and accurate matter progression
• Participate in strategy discussions and contribute practical, well-researched input on deal structure and risk mitigation

Professional & Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and timely billable hour records in accordance with firm policy
• Stay current on developments in corporate, contract, and business law relevant to client industries
• Participate in firm training, mentorship programs, and the firm's PPF goal-planning process
• Engage in business development and marketing initiatives, including networking, thought leadership, and client relationship building
• Uphold the firm's standards of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and exceptional client service

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Active license to practice law in Georgia (or eligibility for prompt admission/reciprocity), in good standing
• 3 5 years of relevant experience in business, corporate, or transactional law
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and legal research skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines independently

Preferred

• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, or commercial real estate transactions (helpful but not required)
• Familiarity with industries relevant to the firm's client base (e.g., healthcare, real estate, technology, and professional services)
• Prior experience in a law firm environment handling direct client relationships and independent matter management

Core Competencies

• Sound legal judgment and business acumen
• Client-service orientation with professionalism under pressure
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership of client relationships
• Collaborative team player able to work across practice groups
• High ethical standards and commitment to client confidentiality