Private Equity Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel has partnered with a leading national law firm in seeking a mid-level associate to join its M&A and Private Equity practice in Southern California. This opportunity is available in Newport Beach and Los Angeles (Century City) and offers the chance to work within a collaborative team on sophisticated corporate transactions.

Position Overview:
The firm is seeking an associate with 4–6 years of corporate transactional experience, with a strong emphasis on mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions. The ideal candidate will have significant experience working with acquisition agreements and related transaction documentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements and related M&A transaction documents

• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and strategic buyers and sellers in corporate transactions

• Assist in managing transactions from initial structuring through closing

• Collaborate with deal teams and maintain strong client relationships

• Support due diligence, transaction execution, and closing processes

Qualifications:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school

• 4–6 years of corporate transactional experience focused on M&A and private equity

• Strong working knowledge of acquisition agreements and related deal documentation

• Large national or international law firm experience preferred

• Excellent academic credentials

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and business judgment skills

• Licensed, or eligible to become licensed, to practice law in California

Work Environment:
Hybrid schedule with an expectation of at least three days per week in the office.

Compensation:
$310,000 – $390,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Direct Counsel for a confidential discussion.