Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney (ECVC / Corporate Transactions)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking an  Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate with 4–7 years of experience to join a growing national ECVC practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who enjoys working with startups, growth-stage companies, venture capital investors, and founders on a broad range of corporate and financing transactions.

The ideal candidate will have experience advising emerging companies throughout their lifecycle, from formation and fundraising through strategic transactions and exits.

Locations

• Los Angeles, CA
• Orange County, CA
• San Francisco, CA

Responsibilities

• Advise emerging growth companies and venture-backed businesses on day-to-day corporate matters
• Represent companies and investors in venture capital and private financing transactions
• Draft and negotiate:
  • Preferred equity financing documents
  • SAFEs
  • Convertible notes
  • Investment documents
  • Acquisition agreements
  • Corporate governance documents
• Assist clients with company formation and organizational matters
• Support mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, and other corporate transactions
• Manage transaction processes from inception through closing
• Advise clients regarding federal securities law compliance and corporate governance matters
• Prepare board materials, resolutions, minutes, and equity incentive documentation
• Collaborate with attorneys across a national corporate platform on sophisticated transactions

Qualifications

• 4–7 years of corporate transactional experience
• Experience representing emerging companies, startups, venture capital funds, or growth-stage businesses
• Experience with:
  • Preferred equity financings
  • SAFEs
  • Convertible notes
  • Private securities offerings
  • Corporate formation and governance matters
• Experience handling mergers and acquisitions and strategic investment transactions
• Knowledge of federal securities laws, regulations, and exchange requirements
• Experience maintaining governance policies, board materials, committee charters, and equity incentive programs
• Strong drafting, negotiation, communication, and project management skills
• Solid understanding of business and financial fundamentals
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously
• AmLaw 100 experience preferred
• Strong academic credentials from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar admission required

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected salary range: $285,000 – $370,000
• Compensation is determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic market, and other relevant factors
• Performance- and hours-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work with startups, venture-backed companies, founders, and investors across a variety of industries
• Significant client exposure and hands-on responsibility
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities
• Clear path for long-term career growth and advancement

Why This Opportunity

• Work with innovative startups and emerging growth companies
• Advise clients throughout the full company lifecycle, from formation to exit
• Handle sophisticated venture capital financings and M&A transactions
• Collaborate with a nationally recognized corporate practice
• Gain meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment

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