M&A Associate (top-40 firm)

Position Overview A leading international law firm is seeking a highly motivated mid-level associate (Class of 2020-2022) to join its Corporate, Finance and Investments practice in Washington, DC. The position offers the opportunity to work on sophisticated domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, joint ventures, carve-outs, and other complex corporate transactions for public and private companies, private equity sponsors, infrastructure investors, and financial institutions. The ideal candidate will have significant transaction experience, strong drafting and negotiation skills, and the ability to manage substantial portions of deals while working directly with partners and clients. Key Responsibilities * Lead day-to-day execution of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations, and strategic investment transactions. * Draft and negotiate acquisition agreements, merger agreements, stock and asset purchase agreements, joint venture agreements, confidentiality agreements, letters of intent, and ancillary transaction documents. * Coordinate and manage legal due diligence processes across multiple workstreams and jurisdictions. * Prepare and review disclosure schedules, transaction summaries, board materials, corporate approvals, and closing documentation. * Advise clients on transaction structures, risk allocation, governance matters, and post-closing integration considerations. * Work closely with specialists in antitrust, tax, executive compensation, employee benefits, intellectual property, environmental, international trade, CFIUS, national security, government contracts, and regulatory matters. * Manage transaction timelines, supervise junior associates, and coordinate communications among clients, opposing counsel, lenders, consultants, and other advisors. * Assist with strategic counseling for public and private company clients on corporate governance and general corporate matters. * Participate in business development initiatives, client pitches, industry presentations, and thought leadership efforts. Representative Matters Associates in this role may advise on: * Strategic acquisitions and divestitures involving multinational corporations. * Sponsor-backed acquisitions and exits. * Infrastructure, energy, and power-sector transactions. * Aerospace, defense, government services, and national security-related acquisitions. * Technology and software acquisitions, including AI and digital infrastructure transactions. * Joint ventures, platform investments, and growth equity transactions. * Cross-border transactions involving complex regulatory and geopolitical considerations. Qualifications * J.D. from a nationally recognized law school with strong academic credentials. * Admission to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction; eligibility to waive into or obtain admission in Washington, DC. * Class years 2020-2022. * Meaningful experience handling M&A transactions at a leading law firm. * Excellent drafting, analytical, organizational, and project management skills. * Demonstrated ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. * Strong commercial judgment and client-facing communication skills. * Experience with private equity, infrastructure, energy, technology, government services, or cross-border transactions is advantageous. Professional Development The position offers substantial client exposure, early responsibility, direct interaction with senior dealmakers, and opportunities to take leading roles on transaction workstreams. Associates are expected to develop increasing responsibility for transaction management, negotiation, client counseling, and mentoring junior lawyers as they progress toward senior associate and partnership-track roles. Compensation & Benefits Competitive market compensation, annual performance bonus opportunities, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement programs, professional development resources, and hybrid work flexibility consistent with firm policies.