Corporate Associate Attorney (M&A & Emerging Companies)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate to join a premier Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate practice in Palo Alto. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney looking to advise innovative technology companies, founders, investors, and corporate clients on sophisticated transactions and strategic business matters.

The ideal candidate will have strong M&A experience, a solid understanding of corporate law, and experience working with technology-focused companies and emerging growth businesses.

Responsibilities

• Advise corporate clients on a broad range of strategic and transactional matters
• Represent clients in:
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Strategic investments
  • Minority investments
  • Corporate reorganizations
  • General corporate matters
  • Emerging company transactions
• Draft and negotiate acquisition agreements and related transaction documents
• Conduct and manage legal due diligence processes
• Support transaction execution from initial structuring through closing
• Advise clients on corporate governance and operational matters
• Work directly with founders, executives, investors, and boards of directors
• Collaborate with attorneys across tax, finance, employment, intellectual property, and regulatory practices
• Participate in client development and relationship-building initiatives

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Law school class years 2018–2021
• Significant experience handling M&A transactions
• Strong understanding of corporate law and market transaction terms
• Experience advising technology companies, emerging growth companies, or venture-backed businesses
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal management skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication abilities
• Ability to manage matters independently and assume significant responsibility
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong client-service orientation
• Outstanding academic credentials

Preferred Experience

• Technology-sector transactions
• Emerging companies and startup matters
• Venture-backed company representation
• Strategic investments and growth-stage transactions

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $310,000 – $420,000
• Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and other operational considerations
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits
• Retirement benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Parental leave
• Basic life insurance

Why This Opportunity

• Join a premier corporate practice in the heart of the technology industry
• Advise innovative companies, founders, investors, and corporate clients
• Work on sophisticated M&A and strategic transactions
• Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
• Strong mentorship, professional development, and partnership-track opportunities
• Entrepreneurial environment with exceptional long-term growth potential

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