Private Equity Associate Attorney

Job Description Private Equity Associate AttorneyDirect Counsel is seeking a Private Equity Associate Attorney to join the Northern California platform of a premier global law firm.This is an outstanding opportunity for a 3–6 year corporate associate attorney with substantial private equity and M&A experience to advise private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, and sellers on sophisticated middle-market and large-cap transactions.The role offers significant deal ownership, direct client exposure, and the opportunity to work on high-profile acquisitions, exits, and strategic sponsor-backed transactions in one of the most active private equity markets in the country.LocationsPalo Alto, California; San Francisco, CaliforniaPosition OverviewThe ideal candidate will have 3–6 years of private equity and M&A experience, with the majority of their practice focused on:Sponsor-side acquisitionsPlatform and add-on acquisitionsPortfolio company transactionsStrategic buy-side and sell-side M&AExit transactionsGeneral corporate governance mattersThis role is best suited for an associate who has meaningful experience running deals and managing sophisticated transaction workstreams from LOI through closing.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage private equity and M&A transactions from inception through closingDraft and negotiate:Purchase agreementsEquity documentsAncillary agreementsGovernance documentsDisclosure schedulesCoordinate due diligence, specialist teams, and closing processesAdvise sponsors, portfolio companies, and strategic buyers on transaction structuringManage deal execution timelines, client communications, and internal workstreamsSupport negotiations, client calls, and high-level strategic transaction discussionsWork closely with attorneys across:TaxFinanceEmploymentAntitrustExecutive compensationAssist with portfolio company operational and governance matters as neededQualificationsJ.D. from an accredited law school3–6 years of private equity and M&A experienceSignificant experience at an Am Law 100 or comparable leading corporate law firm preferredStrong deal management and drafting experienceExcellent oral, written, and interpersonal skillsSuperior academic credentialsStrong business judgment and client management skillsCalifornia bar admission requiredCompensationBase salary range: $260,000 – $390,000Compensation will depend on experience, office, qualifications, and overall fit.Ideal CandidateThe ideal attorney will be:A strong sponsor-side deal runnerComfortable leading multiple concurrent transactionsExperienced in both buy-side and sell-side processesCommercially sophisticated and business-mindedStrong in fast-paced, high-volume deal environmentsInterested in long-term growth within a premier private equity platformWhy This OpportunityThis is an excellent opportunity for a NorCal PE/M&A associate looking for strong sponsor deal flow, sophisticated strategic transactions, and meaningful autonomy on a globally recognized platform. The Palo Alto / San Francisco market positioning makes this especially compelling for laterals targeting high-growth sponsor and tech-adjacent deal work.