Antitrust Associate Attorney (HSR & Merger Review)

Direct Counsel is seeking an Antitrust Associate Attorney to join a premier Am Law firm's nationally recognized Antitrust & Competition practice. While the preference is for candidates based in Washington, DC, attorneys in other office locations may also be considered.

This position is ideal for an attorney with substantial experience advising clients on merger review and compliance matters under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (HSR Act). The successful candidate will work closely with antitrust and M&A teams on sophisticated transactions involving leading corporations, private equity sponsors, and financial institutions.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on all aspects of compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and related merger review requirements
• Analyze transactions to determine HSR filing obligations and assess antitrust risks
• Counsel clients regarding pre-merger antitrust considerations in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions
• Work closely with corporate and M&A deal teams throughout the transaction lifecycle
• Assist with due diligence planning, integration planning, and transaction-related antitrust compliance matters
• Prepare and manage HSR filings, including gathering information, reviewing supporting materials, and ensuring filing accuracy
• Advise clients regarding competitive overlaps, market considerations, and supply chain relationships relevant to antitrust review
• Coordinate with regulators, outside counsel, and transaction stakeholders as needed
• Assist with Access Letter responses, Second Request investigations, and related regulatory inquiries

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience practicing antitrust law
• Significant experience with Hart-Scott-Rodino Act compliance and merger review matters
• Strong understanding of U.S. antitrust laws as they apply to mergers, acquisitions, and strategic transactions
• Experience preparing and managing HSR filings
• Familiarity with Second Requests, Access Letters, and related government investigations
• Strong analytical, drafting, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple complex matters and work directly with sophisticated clients
• Experience collaborating with M&A and transactional legal teams
• Licensed or eligible for admission in the jurisdiction where the candidate will practice

Why Join

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded antitrust practice that advises many of the world's leading corporations, investment banks, asset managers, and private equity sponsors on complex transactional and regulatory matters.

Attorneys in this group work closely with nationally recognized practitioners on sophisticated merger review and competition issues while receiving significant responsibility, direct client exposure, and opportunities for continued professional growth.

The firm is known for its collaborative culture, market-leading transactional platform, and commitment to developing attorneys through meaningful and impactful work.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $310,000 – $435,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

The firm also offers a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and continuing legal education opportunities
• Wellness and employee assistance programs
• Performance-based bonus opportunities

Direct Counsel is an equal opportunity recruiter and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.