Entrepreneurial Ventures Associate | 3-5 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $225,000-$420,000 Base [...]

Entrepreneurial Ventures Associate | 3-5 Years | Chicago, IL | Hybrid | $225,000-$420,000 Base + Benefits & Bonuses | Chambers-ranked Am Law 100 Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a highly regarded Chambers-ranked Am Law 100 global full-service law firm seeking an Entrepreneurial Ventures Associate with three to five years of experience to join its Chicago office on a hybrid basis. This opportunity offers sophisticated venture capital and emerging-company work for founders, high-growth businesses and investors. The successful attorney will advise across the company life cycle, own key transaction workstreams and gain exposure to financings, governance and liquidity events. Company Highlights Chambers-ranked Startups & Emerging Companies practice Chicago-headquartered firm with over 200 attorneys and deep roots in the city's business community Full-lifecycle counsel from formation through exit Company-side and investor-side venture capital work Strong links to Chicago's innovation ecosystem Partner access and meaningful associate responsibility Formal mentoring, coaching and mid-level training Wellbeing stipend and paid associate sabbatical Why This Opportunity Stands Out Company-side and investor-side venture financings Exposure from formation and financings through exit Ownership of drafting, diligence and closings Direct access to partners, founders and investors High-growth and technology-sector exposure Structured mentoring and practical training Clear long-term progression and client development The Role Advise companies on formation, governance and equity matters Counsel founders, boards and investors on financings Draft and negotiate core financing and governance documents Support equity, debt and secondary transactions Work directly with clients from growth through exit Collaborate with tax, IP, privacy and M&A teams Manage diligence, signing and closing processes Advise on capital structure and investor rights Support M&A, joint ventures and liquidity events The role offers direct partner and client collaboration, increasing responsibility and ownership of key workstreams. Ideal Candidate Profile Three to five years of sophisticated corporate experience Venture capital and emerging-company experience Excellent drafting, analytical and communication skills Experience negotiating financing and governance documents Ability to manage multiple transactions and deadlines Excellent academic credentials and an accredited J.D from a top law school Strong commercial judgement and client focus Experience advising both companies and venture investors is preferred. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated base salary range is $225,000-$420,000, depending on class year, experience, qualifications and other relevant factors. The firm also offers bonus eligibility, comprehensive health and insurance coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, family support, professional development, wellbeing resources and pro bono opportunities. Relevant search terms: entrepreneurial ventures associate, emerging companies attorney, venture capital associate, startup lawyer, corporate associate, growth company counsel, founder counsel, investor-side venture financing, NVCA documents, preferred stock financing, SAFE, convertible note, corporate governance, equity incentives, strategic transactions, liquidity events, Chicago attorney jobs, Illinois Bar, Am Law 100, mid-level associate

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