Corporate Associate, Emerging Companies & Venture Capital (ECVC)

San Francisco, CA | Full-Time | Hybrid

Compensation:$235,000 - $310,000 annually, plus performance-based bonus.

About the Role:

We are seeking a talented Corporate Associate with 2+ years of transactional experience to join a nationally recognized Emerging Companies & Venture Capital (ECVC) practice in San Francisco. This is an exceptional opportunity to advise innovative startups, founders, venture capital funds, growth-stage companies, and institutional investors on sophisticated corporate transactions throughout the entire business lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has experience representing emerging companies and investors in venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, securities transactions, and general corporate matters. This partnership-track opportunity provides significant client exposure, meaningful responsibility from day one, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced attorneys advising companies in the technology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, and energy sectors.

This is a hybrid position, requiring approximately three days per week in the San Francisco office.

Responsibilities:

• Represent emerging growth companies, venture-backed businesses, founders, venture capital funds, and institutional investors in a broad range of corporate transactions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate transaction documents related to venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, private equity investments, and general corporate matters.
• Advise clients on entity formation, corporate governance, capitalization, equity compensation, and ongoing corporate compliance.
• Conduct legal due diligence and assist with structuring and executing complex domestic and cross-border business transactions.
• Prepare and negotiate stock purchase agreements, shareholder agreements, investor rights agreements, voting agreements, operating agreements, and commercial contracts.
• Support venture-backed companies throughout financing rounds, strategic investments, acquisitions, and exit transactions.
• Collaborate with attorneys across tax, intellectual property, employment, securities, and other practice areas to provide comprehensive legal counsel.
• Communicate directly with clients, investors, opposing counsel, financial advisors, and other transaction stakeholders.
• Manage multiple client matters while maintaining exceptional responsiveness, organization, and attention to detail.
• Develop trusted client relationships by providing practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Stay current on developments in venture capital, private equity, corporate law, securities regulations, and emerging market trends.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Admission to the California Bar, or eligibility for admission.
• 2+ years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, securities, private equity, or general corporate transactions.
• Experience gained at a nationally recognized, regional, or international law firm preferred.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and legal research skills.
• Experience supporting sophisticated corporate transactions from inception through closing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional client service and professional excellence.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience representing emerging growth companies, venture-backed businesses, or venture capital funds.
• Experience with private equity transactions and growth equity investments.
• Familiarity with securities law, capital markets, and corporate finance.
• Experience advising clients in the technology, artificial intelligence, life sciences, healthcare, financial services, or energy sectors.
• Strong project management and transaction management skills.
• Interest in business development and long-term partnership growth.
• Outstanding academic credentials.