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 Venture Capital practice in Chicago.
This is an excellent opportunity for a 3–4-year associate seeking sophisticated transactional work representing innovative companies, founders, investors, and growth-stage businesses. The practice advises clients across the business lifecycle, from formation and early-stage financings through strategic investments and ongoing corporate matters.
The ideal candidate will have venture capital experience, though attorneys with strong backgrounds in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, emerging companies, corporate finance, or broader transactional practices are encouraged to apply.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
• Opportunity to work closely with founders, emerging companies, investors, and growth-oriented businesses.
• Exposure to venture financings, corporate governance matters, securities compliance, and equity compensation programs.
• Meaningful responsibility and direct involvement in sophisticated transactions.
• Growing practice within a national platform offering substantial resources, broad capabilities, and cross-office collaboration.
• Opportunity to build a long-term practice within a growing venture capital and corporate platform.
Responsibilities
• Represent startups, emerging companies, and investors in venture capital transactions and general corporate matters.
• Draft, review, and negotiate venture financing documents, including term sheets, stock purchase agreements, SAFEs, convertible notes, and related transaction documents.
• Advise clients regarding corporate governance, organizational matters, securities compliance, and day-to-day business operations.
• Support equity compensation programs, including stock options, RSUs, and employee stock purchase plans.
• Conduct legal due diligence in connection with investments and financing transactions.
• Assist with capitalization table management, equity issuances, and stockholder communications.
• Collaborate with partners, investors, founders, executives, and colleagues across multiple offices on sophisticated client matters.
Qualifications
• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Licensed and in good standing.
• 3–4 years of law firm experience in venture capital, emerging companies, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, corporate finance, or general business transactions.
• Familiarity with venture financing structures, including SAFEs, convertible notes, and standard financing documentation preferred.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary ranging from $225,000–$255,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan.
This position is ideal for a strong transactional associate seeking sophisticated work, increased responsibility, and the opportunity to develop a long-term practice within a well-established national platform.
Meet Your Recruiter
Ana A. Bird
Director of Recruiting
