Corporate Associate Attorney (Mid-Level)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate to join a sophisticated and growing corporate practice in Los Angeles. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with experience representing emerging growth companies, venture capital investors, and private businesses through all stages of the corporate lifecycle.

The ideal candidate will have a balanced background in venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate counseling, along with a desire to build long-term client relationships and develop into a trusted business advisor.

ResponsibilitiesVenture Capital & Emerging Companies

• Represent emerging growth companies and venture capital investors in equity financing transactions
• Advise clients on:
  • Seed financings
  • SAFEs
  • Convertible note financings
  • Series A financings
  • Series B and later-stage financings
• Draft and negotiate primary financing documents
• Lead transactions from term sheet through closing
• Manage investor and company-side transaction processes
• Coordinate due diligence and closing activities

Corporate Transactions

• Structure, negotiate, and manage mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions
• Draft and negotiate:
  • Purchase agreements
  • Stock purchase agreements
  • Merger agreements
  • Investor rights agreements
  • Corporate governance documents
• Support clients through corporate restructurings and growth initiatives

General Corporate Counseling

• Advise emerging companies throughout the startup lifecycle
• Counsel clients on:
  • Corporate governance
  • Cap table management
  • Founder and investor matters
  • Entity formation and organization
  • Strategic business decisions
  • Corporate compliance issues
• Serve as a trusted advisor to founders, executives, boards of directors, and investors

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar membership or eligibility to practice in California
• 5–7 years of corporate transactional experience
• Significant experience representing:
  • Emerging growth companies
  • Venture capital investors
  • Private companies
• Experience with:
  • Venture capital financings
  • SAFEs
  • Convertible notes
  • Preferred equity financings
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • General corporate counseling
• Experience leading transactions from term sheet through closing
• Experience representing both companies and investors preferred
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal management skills
• Excellent communication and client relationship abilities
• Strong business judgment and practical problem-solving skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $265,000 – $300,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Generous paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Professional development and business development support
• Formal mentoring and associate training programs

Why This Opportunity

• Work directly with founders, investors, and growing businesses
• Handle sophisticated venture capital and M&A transactions
• Significant client contact and responsibility from day one
• Collaborative and entrepreneurial firm culture
• Formal mentorship from senior associates and partners
• Strong platform for long-term career growth and business development
• Opportunity to build lasting client relationships and develop into a well-rounded corporate advisor

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