Venture Capital Associate Attorney
Firm Description:
Our client is a nationally respected, full-service law firm with over 1,100 attorneys across 22 offices. With a legacy dating back to 1885, the firm is known for its progressive culture, client-first mindset, and deep commitment to community engagement. It offers comprehensive legal services across a wide range of practice areas including corporate, litigation, healthcare, intellectual property, and environmental law. The firm fosters a collaborative, inclusive workplace and operates under a decentralized leadership model, empowering teams across its geographic footprint to deliver innovative and efficient legal solutions.
Position Description:
A nationally recognized Am Law 200 law firm is seeking a talented Corporate Associate to join its growing Business Group in Chicago.
This is a strategic growth hire driven by increased client demand, strong deal flow, and continued expansion within the practice. The group is experiencing significant transactional activity and is looking to add a high-caliber associate who can immediately contribute while building a long-term career within a thriving corporate platform.
The ideal candidate will have 3–4 years of transactional experience and a genuine interest in working with innovative businesses, founders, investors, and growth-oriented companies. While venture capital experience is welcomed, the firm is equally interested in strong corporate associates with backgrounds in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, emerging companies, corporate finance, or general business transactions.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
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Active growth position with substantial existing workflow and deal activity.
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Partner-track opportunity from day one.
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Direct exposure to sophisticated transactions and meaningful client interaction.
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Opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurs, investors, and rapidly growing companies.
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Collaborative, team-oriented culture that values mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth.
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National platform with the resources of a large firm and the collegial atmosphere of a smaller practice.
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Strong reputation in the middle-market and business community with an expanding national footprint.
Responsibilities
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Represent private companies, startups, emerging growth businesses, and investors in a variety of corporate transactions.
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Draft, review, and negotiate transactional documents related to financings, investments, acquisitions, and general corporate matters.
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Assist with venture capital and private financing transactions, including seed, early-stage, and growth-stage investments.
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Advise clients regarding corporate governance, entity formation, organizational matters, and ongoing business operations.
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Conduct legal due diligence for financing and transactional matters.
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Partner with founders, executives, boards of directors, and investors on strategic business initiatives.
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Collaborate with attorneys across multiple offices and practice groups on sophisticated client matters.
Qualifications
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J.D. from an accredited law school.
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Licensed and in good standing.
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3–4 years of law firm experience in:
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Corporate Transactions
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Mergers & Acquisitions
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Private Equity
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Emerging Companies
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Venture Capital
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Corporate Finance
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General Business Transactions
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Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
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Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
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Desire to build a long-term practice and advance within a growing organization.
Compensation & Benefits
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Base salary ranging from $225,000 to $255,000, commensurate with experience.
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Bonus opportunity.
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Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and 401(k).
This position is ideal for a strong transactional associate seeking a genuine growth opportunity, sophisticated work, meaningful responsibility, and a clear long-term path within one of the nation's most respected law firms.
Meet Your Recruiter
Ana A. Bird
Director of Recruiting