Corporate Transactional Associate (M&A & Private Equity)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Transactional Associate with 3–6 years of experience to join a nationally recognized business practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney looking to work on sophisticated M&A, private equity, growth equity, and general corporate transactions while collaborating with partners and clients across a national platform.

The ideal candidate will have significant transactional experience and the ability to independently manage deals, maintain client relationships, and deliver practical business-focused legal advice.

Locations

This position is open to:

• Cincinnati, OH
• Cleveland, OH
• Columbus, OH

Responsibilities

• Represent public and private companies, private equity sponsors, and investors in a broad range of corporate transactions
• Manage mergers and acquisitions transactions from inception through closing
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents and ancillary agreements
• Conduct legal due diligence and prepare diligence reports
• Advise clients on general corporate governance and business matters
• Support private equity transactions, growth equity financings, and joint ventures
• Draft and negotiate commercial agreements and related corporate documents
• Coordinate deal teams and manage transaction timelines while maintaining exceptional client service

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of corporate transactional experience
• Significant experience with:
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Private Equity Transactions
  • Growth Equity Financings
  • General Corporate Transactions
  • Capital Markets Transactions
• Experience handling due diligence, drafting transaction documents, and managing closings
• Experience with joint ventures and commercial contracts is a plus
• Strong drafting, negotiation, project management, and client relationship skills
• Ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions with minimal supervision
• Outstanding academic credentials from an accredited law school
• AmLaw 100–200 law firm experience strongly preferred
• Active Ohio Bar admission required

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors, including experience level, education, geographic market, and relevant skills.
• For Cleveland, the expected salary range is $220,000 – $250,000.
• Performance- and hours-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment
• National platform with cross-office collaboration
• Early responsibility and significant client interaction
• Clear path to partnership and long-term career growth
• Entrepreneurial and business-development-focused culture

Why This Opportunity

• Nationally recognized business practice
• Sophisticated M&A and private equity deal work
• Strong internal support and collaborative culture
• Opportunity to manage transactions and build client relationships early
• Strategic investment in practice growth and attorney development

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