M&A/Private Equity Associate

ABOUT THE ROLE Join a collaborative corporate legal team as a mid-level M&A and private equity associate. You will lead transactions from due diligence through closing while also advising clients on general corporate matters and working directly with clients. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Run mergers and acquisitions from initial due diligence through closing. - Draft and negotiate purchase agreements, merger agreements, financing documents, and other transactional documents. - Manage due diligence processes across transactions. - Advise clients on entity formation, corporate structuring, and ongoing corporate matters. - Support private equity sponsors and portfolio companies throughout the investment lifecycle. - Work closely with partners in a lean team and take on client-facing responsibilities. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR - Juris Doctor degree and 4 to 8 years of M&A or private equity transactional experience at a law firm. - Experience independently running deals end to end, including private equity-sponsored transactions, due diligence, and deal documentation. - Experience drafting and negotiating purchase and merger agreements. - Licensed to practice law in Missouri, or willing to obtain Missouri licensure. - Strong client communication, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple matters. - Experience with general corporate work, such as formations, entity structuring, or compliance, is useful; exposure to debt financing, equity structuring, or cross-border transactions is also relevant. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary range: $205,000 to $285,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available. LOCATION On-site in St. Louis, Missouri, with an expectation of working in the office four days per week.