Corporate Associate (M&A/Private Equity)

A national corporate practice is seeking a mid-level associate to join its San Francisco team, focusing on private equity and strategic M&A transactions. The group advises a broad range of clients—including global commingled funds, independent sponsors, and family offices—across the full private equity lifecycle, from fundraising and fund formation to direct investments, portfolio company matters, strategic acquisitions, divestitures, and exit transactions.

The role offers direct partner and client exposure in a growing, entrepreneurial platform. Associates work in smaller, partner-led teams and take on meaningful responsibility from day one, handling sophisticated deals while building toward senior client-facing work within an on-track partnership framework.

This is an opportunity combining complex transaction work with close mentorship in a well-established national corporate practice.

• 3–4 years of strategic M&A and private equity experience, ideally at a leading national or international law firm
• Experience with acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, and private equity transactions
• JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admitted to, or eligible for admission to, the California bar
• Strong academic credentials and excellent critical reasoning skills
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and efficiently serve clients both independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines