Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney (M&A / Private Equity) to join a highly respected Am Law firm in its San Diego or San Francisco office.

This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 3–5 years of experience handling strategic mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions. The successful candidate will work closely with partners and clients on sophisticated sponsor-side and strategic transactions while developing meaningful client relationships and assuming significant responsibility in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, family offices, and strategic buyers and sellers in complex transactions.

• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements and related transaction documents.

• Advise clients on acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, growth investments, and exit transactions.

• Support portfolio company management and transactional matters.

• Conduct and manage legal due diligence processes.

• Coordinate transaction workstreams and assist with deal execution from inception through closing.

• Collaborate directly with clients, counterparties, and deal teams.

• Work closely with partners on sophisticated domestic and cross-border corporate transactions.

Qualifications:

• J.D. or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school.

• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar, or eligibility for admission.

• 3 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions.

• Experience representing sponsors, investors, or corporate clients in sophisticated transactional matters.

• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple transactions and competing deadlines effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to exceptional client service.

• Outstanding academic credentials.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a nationally recognized corporate practice that advises private equity sponsors, investors, entrepreneurs, and businesses on sophisticated transactional matters. Attorneys in this group benefit from direct partner and client interaction, lean deal teams, significant responsibility, and a clear path toward increased client-facing leadership and long-term professional growth.

Compensation: $260,000 – $310,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus bonus eligibility.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage, retirement benefits, paid time off, professional development resources, and additional firm-sponsored benefits.