Mergers and Acquisitions Associate
Job Description
About the Role
A leading Am Law 100 law firm is seeking a mid-level Corporate M&A Associate to join its premier corporate practice, with a strong focus on technology and life sciences transactions. The firm advises innovative companies at all stages of development - from early-stage start-ups to global publicly traded corporations—and is widely recognized as one of the top technology M&A practices in the market.
The practice has completed over $750 billion in transactions in recent years, including complex acquisition programs for serial acquirers and high-profile strategic exits for market-leading growth companies.
The role is open across multiple U.S. offices, with priority given to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and New York, though candidates in Seattle, Santa Monica, Washington, D.C., and Boston will also be considered.
What You’ll Do
As a mid-level associate, you will play a central role in sophisticated M&A transactions, including:
- Leading key components of M&A deals with increasing autonomy
- Managing and running due diligence processes
- Drafting and negotiating acquisition agreements and ancillary transaction documents
- Working directly with clients alongside senior partners
- Supporting complex strategic acquisitions and exit transactions in the tech and life sciences sectors
The firm operates a free-market staffing model, allowing associates to shape their deal mix and build relationships with partners aligned with their interests.
Qualifications
Required
- 3–5 years of M&A experience at a leading corporate law firm
- Meaningful experience advising technology and/or life sciences companies
- Strong deal sheet reflecting complex M&A transactions
- Active bar admission in the jurisdiction of the intended office, or eligibility to waive in within 3–6 months
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
Preferred
- Experience leading portions of deals with minimal supervision
- Superior academic credentials (top law school and/or top-tier GPA)
- Entrepreneurial, self-directed approach to work and matter management
Note: Sitting for a bar exam is not supported.
Practice Fit
This role is best suited for associates whose M&A experience is primarily strategic and operating-company focused, particularly in the technology or life sciences space. The practice is not heavily private-equity-driven, and candidates with demonstrated long-term commitment and continuity in their career progression are strongly preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary: $260K – $310K (commensurate with experience and location)
- Competitive equity participation
- Hybrid work model (3 days in-office)
- Relocation assistance provided
Why Join This Firm?
This Am Law 100 firm is consistently ranked among the top U.S. practices for corporate and M&A work, particularly in the technology and life sciences sectors. Associates receive early responsibility, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to work on industry-defining transactions in a collaborative, high-performance environment.