M&A and Private Equity Associate Attorney

A law firm in New York City is seeking an experienced and highly motivated M&A and Private Equity Associate Attorney with 4-6 years of law firm experience in mergers and acquisitions. The ideal candidate will have excellent academic credentials, superior communication skills, and a strong ability to manage complex transactions. This role involves working with leading companies and private equity firms in structuring, negotiating, and executing M&A deals. The candidate should be a strategic thinker, capable of delivering practical solutions to clients, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise clients on a wide range of M&A transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions.
• Structure, negotiate, and draft transaction agreements, including purchase agreements, shareholders’ agreements, and other related documentation.
• Conduct and manage due diligence investigations and advise clients on deal-related risks and mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other practice areas such as tax, finance, and regulatory teams to provide comprehensive legal support to clients.
• Assist private equity firms with portfolio company acquisitions, divestitures, and add-on transactions.
• Provide strategic advice to clients on deal structuring, transaction execution, and post-closing integration issues.
• Manage client relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for transaction-related matters.
• Stay updated on the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices affecting M&A and private equity transactions.
• Mentor junior associates and contribute to the firm’s business development efforts through client pitches, thought leadership, and networking initiatives.

Requirements:

• 4-6 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, preferably within a large law firm environment.
• Proven experience managing complex M&A and private equity transactions from inception through closing.
• Deep knowledge of corporate governance, securities laws, and transaction structuring.
• Strong drafting and negotiation skills with the ability to produce high-quality legal documents.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify and resolve complex legal issues.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority transactions simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Superior verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to convey complex concepts to clients and colleagues effectively.
• Membership in good standing with the New York State Bar is required.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the New York State Bar (or eligibility for admission).

Skills:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• High level of motivation, initiative, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, internal teams, and external advisors.
• Strong client relationship management skills with the ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and a client-first approach.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive elective health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Robust mental well-being benefits and support programs.
• Child, family, elder, and pet care benefits.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Health savings account (with applicable medical plans) and flexible spending accounts.
• Long-term care insurance options.
• 401K retirement program with firm contributions.

Substantial billable hours is the primary way to get the big bucks and partnership consideration at this large New York firm. With West Coast roots, but not attitude, these New York lawyers work hard. Competitive and fast-paced, this firm excels across practice areas, but is doing some particularly interesting VC work. Although a type A environment to be sure, the atmosphere is still friendly, albeit without a lot of casual partner/associate interaction. Partner/associate relationships are strong in professional terms, however, with excellent marks for training and a fairly regimented associate development program. Now competing to be one of New York's finest, this firm is increasingly selective in associate hiring.