Corporate Associate - Mergers & Acquisitions

A law firm seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Corporate Associate to join its dynamic team in Chicago, specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and other corporate matters. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in strategic transactions, corporate governance, and commercial law, contributing to a collaborative environment that supports public and private companies, private equity funds, and financial institutions.

Duties

• Lead and oversee due diligence teams during strategic transactions.
• Coordinate with specialists across various practice areas to ensure comprehensive deal support.
• Draft and review key transaction documents, including merger agreements, joint venture contracts, and investment documentation.
• Advise clients on corporate governance best practices and compliance.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Work closely with clients to address complex legal and business challenges, particularly in mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Requirements

• Experience: 3–6 years in corporate law, with a focus on mergers & acquisitions and general corporate matters.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership abilities in managing teams and specialists.
  • Excellent drafting and negotiation skills for transactional documents.
  • Capability to work independently while managing multiple assignments efficiently.
• Attributes: Superior academic credentials, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a detail-oriented approach.

Education

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the Illinois State Bar or eligibility for admission.

Certifications

• Membership in good standing with a state bar association, preferably Illinois.

Skills

• Proficiency in managing strategic corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
• Deep understanding of corporate governance principles and best practices.
• Strong analytical skills to assess risks and deliver client-focused solutions.
• Exceptional organizational skills to balance multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, life, accident, and disability insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contributions.
• Performance-based productivity and discretionary bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a collaborative and supportive work environment.

A Vault 100 firm widely cited for its outstanding mentorship opportunities for new associates and for its prestigious clientele, associates also applaud its impressive pro-bono policies, which consider pro-bono work just as important as billable work in calculating bonuses and advancement. They also cite mobility within the firm and say that lower-level associates often work closely with partners on projects, making growth opportunities abundant to those looking for career development.