Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate to join a premier corporate practice in the Bay Area. This is an exceptional opportunity for attorneys looking to work on sophisticated mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and other complex corporate matters alongside some of the most accomplished dealmakers in the industry.

The ideal candidate will possess strong academic credentials, excellent transactional experience, and a desire to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment handling high-profile domestic and cross-border transactions.

Responsibilities

• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, strategic buyers, and sellers in complex transactions
• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements and ancillary transaction documents
• Conduct and manage due diligence efforts across a variety of industries and transaction structures
• Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, and other strategic corporate transactions
• Coordinate with specialists across tax, finance, executive compensation, employment, and regulatory disciplines
• Support transaction execution from initial structuring through closing and post-closing matters
• Maintain direct interaction with sophisticated clients and deal teams

Qualifications

• Strong experience in mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and general corporate matters
• Outstanding academic credentials and professional achievements
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Strong client service orientation and attention to detail
• California Bar admission preferred or eligibility to practice in California

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary range: $225,000 – $420,000
• Competitive bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Retirement and savings plan options
• Opportunity to work on market-leading transactions alongside top corporate attorneys and sophisticated clients

This opportunity offers exposure to some of the most significant M&A and private equity transactions in the market while providing exceptional training, mentorship, and long-term career development.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through Direct Counsel.