Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney (4–6 Years)

Locations: Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California.

Direct Counsel is seeking an Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney to join a premier international law firm with a nationally recognized corporate practice. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney who is passionate about working with innovative startups, high-growth companies, venture capital investors, and entrepreneurs throughout every stage of the business lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience advising emerging growth companies on formation, venture financings, corporate governance, and strategic transactions while working alongside sophisticated clients in the technology, life sciences, and consumer products sectors.

Responsibilities

• Advise emerging growth companies from formation through exit, including day-to-day corporate counseling.

• Represent startups and venture capital investors in seed, Series A, and later-stage venture financings.

• Draft, review, and negotiate financing documents, including transactions utilizing NVCA documentation.

• Assist clients with corporate governance matters, capitalization strategy, equity compensation, and commercial growth initiatives.

• Support domestic mergers and acquisitions involving startup companies and venture-backed businesses.

• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice groups on complex corporate transactions.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships while delivering practical, business-oriented legal advice.

• Manage multiple transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.

• 4–6 years of experience in emerging companies and venture capital at a leading corporate law firm.

• Significant experience representing startups and emerging growth companies in venture capital financings.

• Extensive experience handling venture financings using NVCA documents is required.

• Experience advising clients on corporate governance and general corporate matters.

• Exposure to domestic M&A transactions involving startup companies and venture-backed businesses.

• Interest in or experience working with technology, life sciences, and/or consumer products companies.

• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a proactive, client-focused approach.

• Active bar admission in the state of practice or eligibility to waive into the applicable jurisdiction.

Compensation

Salary Range: $310,000 – $390,000 annually (depending on experience and location).

Benefits

This firm offers a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Life and disability insurance

• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) plans

• Flexible paid time off

• Industry-leading parental, adoption, and fertility benefits

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Wellness resources, including mental health and employee assistance programs

• Paid bar dues and select professional association memberships

• Robust mentoring, sponsorship, and professional development programs

• Extensive pro bono opportunities with dedicated internal support

This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of the nation's premier corporate practices representing some of the most innovative companies and investors in today's market while enjoying meaningful mentorship, sophisticated work, and long-term career growth.