Private Equity / Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Corporate Associate Attorney to join a leading national firm.

Position : Private Equity / M&A Associate (2nd–6th year)

Location : Chicago, IL

About the Role :

The incoming associate will join an elite Private Equity practice advising domestic and international private equity sponsors on complex business transactions, including leveraged buyouts, add-on acquisitions, dispositions of portfolio companies, co-investments, recapitalizations, and general corporate governance matters. You will be expected to take a front-line role in drafting key transaction documents, managing due diligence processes, negotiating NDAs and ancillary agreements, and coordinating the execution of sophisticated M&A transactions alongside partners and senior associates.

Key Responsibilities :

Advise private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle

Lead drafting of purchase agreements, operating agreements, and other key transaction documents

Manage cross-functional deal teams across tax, finance, labor & employment, and IP specialty areas

Perform and oversee legal due diligence and prepare disclosure schedules

Work directly with clients, investment bankers, and opposing counsel on live transactional matters

Qualifications :

J.D. from a top-tier law school

2–6 years of experience in PE / M&A at an Am Law 100 or similarly sophisticated platform

Substantive experience handling buyouts, acquisitions, dispositions, and / or minority investments

Superior drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume transactional practice

Compensation :

Annual base salary range : $235,000 to $390,000 , commensurate with experience

Generous bonus potential aligned with market practice

Why This Opportunity :

This is an outstanding opportunity to work at the forefront of the private equity market, gaining hands-on experience on high-profile deals for blue-chip clients. The group boasts a nationally recognized platform, a collegial culture, direct access to partners, and meaningful client interaction from day one.