Senior Corporate & Private Equity Associate Attorney

Senior Corporate & Private Equity Associate Attorney
Locations: Charlotte, NC | Dallas, TX | Los Angeles, CA | New York, NY | Pittsburgh, PA | San Francisco, CA
Compensation: $365,000–$415,000

Direct Counsel is seeking a Senior Corporate & Private Equity Associate to join the Corporate & Private Equity Practice of a leading Am Law firm. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 5–7 years of sophisticated private equity acquisitions experience who is looking to take on a leadership role in complex transactions while working with a nationally recognized private equity platform.

The ideal candidate has substantial experience leading acquisitions for private equity sponsors and portfolio companies, managing transactions from letter of intent through closing, and serving as a trusted advisor to clients on strategic investments and corporate matters.

Responsibilities

• Represent private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, and other strategic corporate transactions.
• Lead complex private equity transactions from inception through closing, serving as the primary associate responsible for transaction execution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements, merger agreements, investment documents, disclosure schedules, and related transaction documents.
• Coordinate due diligence, manage transaction timelines, and oversee multidisciplinary deal teams.
• Advise clients on transaction strategy, corporate governance, and post-closing integration matters.
• Collaborate with attorneys across finance, tax, executive compensation, healthcare, and other specialty practices to deliver comprehensive legal solutions.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while providing practical, business-focused legal advice throughout the investment lifecycle.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 5–7 years of private equity acquisitions experience at a leading law firm.
• Demonstrated experience independently leading sophisticated private equity transactions.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to manage multiple complex transactions simultaneously.
• Active bar admission in the jurisdiction where applying.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $365,000–$415,000, depending on experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid time off, and firm-sponsored wellness programs.
• Hybrid work environment with access to advanced legal technology, meaningful mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity to work with one of the nation's most active private equity practices representing sponsors and portfolio companies across a wide range of industries.