Direct Counsel
Private Equity/Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney
Direct Counsel, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60601
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.
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.