Corporate Venture Capital Associate

Job DescriptionAbout This OpportunityWe are seeking an experienced Corporate Venture Capital Associate to join our expanding practice representing emerging technology and life sciences companies alongside the institutional investors who fund them. This role offers the unique opportunity to work directly with high-growth ventures at every stage of their lifecycle, from early formation through late-stage transactions.Our practice sits at the intersection of innovation and capital, providing unparalleled exposure to the companies and investors shaping the future of technology and life sciences. You'll counsel founders, CEOs, and boards on their most critical transactions and strategic decisions while advising venture capital firms on their investment strategies.What Makes This Role DifferentSustainable work culture: Competitive billable hours expectations with credit for firm contributions and pro bono workFlexible work environment: Hybrid schedule with regular in-office collaborationDirect client responsibility: Lead transactions independently with mentorship from experienced attorneysClear advancement pathway: Structured development programs focused on career progressionDiverse practice exposure: Work across multiple high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, digital health, defense technology, financial services, and life sciencesComprehensive experience: Represent both emerging companies and their venture capital investors, gaining complete market perspectiveCore ResponsibilitiesTransaction LeadershipIndependently manage venture capital financings, including early-stage instruments, seed rounds, and multi-stage preferred stock financingsLead mergers and acquisitions transactions for growth companies and venture-backed exitsServe as primary counsel to founders, CEOs, management teams, and boards of directorsNavigate sophisticated deal structures from initial negotiation through closing and post-closing mattersClient CounselingAdvise early-stage companies from inception through exit on corporate governance, equity compensation, and strategic mattersGuide venture capital firms and institutional investors on investment strategies, portfolio company governance, and fund operationsDraft and negotiate early-stage financing instruments, term sheets, preferred stock documents, investor agreements, and related transaction materialsCounsel on corporate governance best practices, board composition, and fiduciary dutiesStrategic AdvisoryProvide ongoing corporate counsel to portfolio companies on matters including equity compensation plans, capitalization management, and co-investor relationshipsAdvise on corporate structure optimization, including entity selection, reorganizations, and jurisdictional mattersSupport clients on secondary transactions, liquidity events, and tender offersNavigate regulatory and compliance matters affecting venture-backed companiesRelationship DevelopmentBuild and maintain relationships within the private technology and life sciences venture capital ecosystemsCollaborate with colleagues across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal solutionsRepresent clients across diverse industries including AI, digital health, defense tech, gaming, and financial servicesParticipate in industry conferences and venture capital community eventsPractice DevelopmentContribute to thought leadership through client communications and presentationsMentor associates and contribute to team knowledge-sharing initiativesStay current on market trends, emerging legal issues, and venture capital financing structuresSupport business development initiatives and client relationship managementQualificationsRequired QualificationsExperience & Background5-9 years of corporate law experience at a recognized national or international law firmSubstantial experience in venture capital transactions and/or mergers and acquisitionsDemonstrated ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions from inception to completionTrack record of directly counseling founders, management teams, and institutional investorsFor certain locations: Experience leading corporate transactions at an established law firm with interest in venture capital workEducationJuris Doctor from a nationally recognized law schoolStrong academic credentials with demonstrated excellenceState bar admission in good standing (or ability to obtain admission)Technical SkillsDeep familiarity with venture capital financing structures, including convertible instruments and preferred equity financingsExpertise in corporate governance matters for private companies, including board structure, voting arrangements, and protective provisionsProficiency in drafting and negotiating sophisticated venture capital transaction documentsUnderstanding of capitalization management, equity compensation structures, and ownership analysisKnowledge of venture capital fund structures and investor dynamics (preferred)Professional AttributesExceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain sophisticated legal concepts to business audiencesStrong business judgment and ability to provide practical, commercially-focused adviceProven ability to manage multiple high-priority matters simultaneously while maintaining precisionCollaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills and team orientationEntrepreneurial approach to client service and creative problem-solvingComfort navigating ambiguity and providing counsel in dynamic transaction environmentsPreferred ExperienceBackground representing both emerging growth companies and venture capital investorsExposure to complex venture capital transactions or multi-jurisdictional clientsExperience in high-growth sectors such as AI/ML, digital health, financial services, defense tech, or life sciencesTrack record of building client relationships and contributing to business development effortsFamiliarity with Delaware corporate law and alternative entity structuresUnderstanding of securities laws affecting private companies and venture capital fundsWork Environment & LogisticsLocation flexibility: Primary offices in major technology and financial hubs with flexible work arrangementsOffice presence: Regular in-office presence with flexible hybrid scheduling (specific requirements vary by location)Annual expectations: Competitive billable hours target with credit for pro bono work, firm contributions, and professional developmentTeam structure: Work within collaborative practice groups with embedded mentorship and regular feedbackProfessional development: Access to structured training programs, specialized academies, and continuous learning opportunitiesClient exposure: Direct access to founders, CEOs, and venture capital partners from the startWhy is This a Great OpportunityWhy Join Our PracticeOur Corporate Venture Capital practice offers a unique combination of sophisticated legal work, direct client access, and quality of life. You'll work with the most innovative companies and investors in technology and life sciences while maintaining a sustainable career trajectory.We're building a practice that values:Excellence in client service balanced with attorney well-beingCollaboration and mentorship over internal competitionDiversity of experience across industries and transaction typesClear advancement pathways with transparent criteria