Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job DescriptionMergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney
Locations: Miami, FL | New York, NY | Irvine, CA | San Francisco, CA

Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level M&A & Private Equity Associate to join a prestigious Am Law 100 law firmwith a nationally recognized corporate practice. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney looking to work on sophisticated domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and other strategic corporate matters alongside a collaborative team of industry-leading attorneys.

The ideal candidate will have 2–3 years of law firm experience handling mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions and will thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment representing a diverse client base.

Responsibilities

• Represent strategic buyers, sellers, and private equity sponsors in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and other complex corporate transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents, including purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, ancillary agreements, and related corporate documentation.
• Conduct and manage legal due diligence and coordinate transaction processes from inception through closing.
• Advise clients on transaction structuring, risk allocation, and corporate governance matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys across multiple practice groups to deliver comprehensive legal solutions on sophisticated deals.
• Maintain direct client contact and play an active role in managing transaction timelines and workstreams.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 2–3 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and/or private equity transactions at a peer law firm.
• Excellent drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced environment while working effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Admission to the State Bar (or eligibility for admission) in the jurisdiction where the candidate will be based is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $235,000 – $260,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings plan, generous paid time off, parental leave, family and wellness benefits, and additional employee programs.

If you're looking to join a top-tier corporate practice with exposure to market-leading M&A and private equity work, we'd love to connect with you.