Corporate & Private Equity Senior Associate Attorney / Counsel

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate & Private Equity Senior Associate or Counsel to join the Chicago office of a leading Am Law firm. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 7+ years of sophisticated private equity transactional experience who is ready to serve as a first-chair deal leader, manage client relationships, and play a key role in the continued growth of a nationally recognized private equity practice.

The ideal candidate has significant experience representing private equity sponsors and portfolio companies in complex acquisitions and strategic transactions, along with the ability to independently lead deals and serve as a trusted advisor to clients.

• Lead sophisticated private equity transactions from inception through closing, serving as the primary attorney responsible for transaction execution and client management.
• Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and strategic investors in leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, minority investments, rollups, and going-private transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate purchase agreements, merger agreements, investment documents, financing documents, and other principal transaction agreements.
• Manage transaction teams, oversee due diligence, coordinate specialists, and supervise junior attorneys.
• Advise clients on transaction strategy, corporate governance, and ongoing business matters.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships while identifying opportunities for continued business growth.
• Collaborate with attorneys across finance, tax, executive compensation, restructuring, and other specialty practices to deliver comprehensive legal solutions.

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 7+ years of corporate transactional experience, with significant emphasis on private equity transactions.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead sophisticated transactions and manage client relationships.
• Extensive experience representing private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and other institutional investors.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently while leading multidisciplinary deal teams.
• Active membership in the Illinois Bar.

• Competitive base salary of $415,000–$425,000, 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 meaningful mentorship, advanced legal technology resources, and the opportunity to play a leadership role within one of the nation's most active and highly regarded private equity practices.