Associate - Corporate (M&A/Private Equity) - Chicago
Direct Counsel
Job Description
Job Description
Direct Counsel represents a prestigious AmLaw firm seeking a Private Equity M&A Associate with 3–5 years of experience to join its Corporate Practice Group in Chicago, Illinois . This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with sophisticated private equity and M&A experience who is looking to take ownership of transaction workstreams and work directly with leading financial sponsors and strategic clients on complex transactions.
Location: Chicago
Responsibilities:
- Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements, equity documents, and related transaction materials
- Manage due diligence processes and identify key legal and business issues
- Assist in structuring and executing private equity acquisitions, dispositions, and other M&A transactions
- Coordinate transaction teams and oversee deal execution from inception through closing
- Support portfolio company matters, including add-on acquisitions, financings, dispositions, and general corporate matters
- Collaborate with finance, tax, benefits, real estate, intellectual property, and litigation specialists
- Manage transaction timelines and closing processes in fast-paced deal environments
- Supervise and mentor junior associates and legal team members
- Maintain direct communication with clients and deal stakeholders throughout the transaction lifecycle
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
- 3–5 years of M&A experience, preferably focused on private equity transactions
- Experience handling substantial portions of sophisticated transactions from signing through closing
- Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and project management skills
- Experience advising private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, or sellers preferred
- Excellent communication and client relationship skills
- Strong academic credentials
- Active Illinois Bar membership and good standing
Preferred Experience:
- Private equity acquisitions and portfolio company transactions
- Complex middle-market and large-cap M&A transactions
- Managing multiple transactions simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
- Cross-functional coordination with specialist legal teams
Compensation & Benefits:
- Compensation follows the current Cravath Scale based on class year
- Competitive bonus opportunities
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
- Industry-leading professional development and mentorship programs
- Wellness and employee support initiatives
Vacancy posted 13 days ago
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