Associate - Corporate (M&A/Private Equity) - Chicago

Direct Counsel represents a prestigious AmLaw firm seeking a Private Equity M&A Associate with 3–5 years of experience to join its Corporate Practice Group in Chicago, Illinois. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with sophisticated private equity and M&A experience who is looking to take ownership of transaction workstreams and work directly with leading financial sponsors and strategic clients on complex transactions.

Location: Chicago

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements, equity documents, and related transaction materials
• Manage due diligence processes and identify key legal and business issues
• Assist in structuring and executing private equity acquisitions, dispositions, and other M&A transactions
• Coordinate transaction teams and oversee deal execution from inception through closing
• Support portfolio company matters, including add-on acquisitions, financings, dispositions, and general corporate matters
• Collaborate with finance, tax, benefits, real estate, intellectual property, and litigation specialists
• Manage transaction timelines and closing processes in fast-paced deal environments
• Supervise and mentor junior associates and legal team members
• Maintain direct communication with clients and deal stakeholders throughout the transaction lifecycle

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• 3–5 years of M&A experience, preferably focused on private equity transactions
• Experience handling substantial portions of sophisticated transactions from signing through closing
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and project management skills
• Experience advising private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, or sellers preferred
• Excellent communication and client relationship skills
• Strong academic credentials
• Active Illinois Bar membership and good standing

Preferred Experience:

• Private equity acquisitions and portfolio company transactions
• Complex middle-market and large-cap M&A transactions
• Managing multiple transactions simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment
• Cross-functional coordination with specialist legal teams

Compensation & Benefits:

• Compensation follows the current Cravath Scale based on class year
• Competitive bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement benefits
• Industry-leading professional development and mentorship programs
• Wellness and employee support initiatives