ECVC Associate

Firm & Practice Overview Our client is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm with a strong reputation for advising entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, venture capital funds, private equity investors, and established businesses throughout every stage of the corporate lifecycle. The firm's Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice is widely regarded for its deep connections within the innovation ecosystem and its ability to provide strategic legal counsel to founders, investors, and high-growth businesses from formation through liquidity events. With a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture and a multidisciplinary platform, the firm offers associates the opportunity to work directly with clients on sophisticated transactions in fast-moving industries. Position Summary The firm is seeking an Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate to join its New York office. The successful candidate will represent startups, founders, venture capital investors, growth equity funds, and technology-driven businesses across a broad range of corporate matters. This role offers substantial client contact, early responsibility, and the opportunity to advise innovative companies through every phase of their growth, from formation and fundraising to strategic transactions and exit events. Key Responsibilities * Advise emerging growth companies on entity formation, capitalization, corporate governance, and day-to-day corporate matters. * Represent venture capital funds, growth equity investors, angel investors, and corporate venture groups in seed, Series A, Series B, and later-stage financing transactions. * Draft, review, and negotiate financing documents, stock purchase agreements, investor rights agreements, voting agreements, right of first refusal and co-sale agreements, and other transaction documents. * Counsel founders and management teams on equity compensation, capitalization table management, governance issues, and strategic business decisions. * Support clients through mergers, acquisitions, strategic investments, recapitalizations, secondary transactions, and other liquidity events. * Conduct legal due diligence and coordinate with specialists in tax, intellectual property, employment, executive compensation, privacy, and regulatory matters. * Assist venture-backed companies with commercial contracting, corporate housekeeping, and general outside counsel matters as they scale their businesses. * Build long-term client relationships by delivering practical, business-oriented legal advice tailored to the needs of high-growth companies and investors. Qualifications * J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school with strong academic credentials. * Active membership in, or eligibility for admission to, the New York Bar. * Approximately 3-6 years of experience advising emerging companies, venture capital funds, founders, or private companies at a nationally recognized law firm. * Experience handling venture financing transactions, general corporate counseling, and company-side representation. * Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and organizational skills. * Ability to independently manage multiple transactions while collaborating effectively with partners and multidisciplinary teams. * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with a strong commitment to client service. Preferred Experience Candidates with experience representing both companies and investors, advising technology or life sciences clients, or working on venture financings, growth equity investments, mergers and acquisitions, or other strategic corporate transactions will be particularly well suited for this role. Familiarity with startup financing structures, equity incentive plans, SAFE financings, convertible instruments, and corporate governance matters is highly desirable. Why Join This opportunity offers the chance to work alongside experienced practitioners who advise some of the most innovative companies and investors in the market. Associates receive meaningful responsibility from the outset, develop trusted relationships with founders and venture capital clients, and gain exposure to the full lifecycle of emerging businesses. The firm's collaborative culture, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to mentorship provide an exceptional platform for professional growth and long-term career development.