Location: Cleveland, OH

Salary: $225K -$300K

Experience: 3-6 Years.

Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate Attorney (3–6 Years)

Location: Cleveland, Ohio | Hybrid
Practice Area: Corporate M&A | Private Equity | Joint Ventures | Capital Raising
Salary: $240,000 – $300,000 + Bonus

TPO Search is working with a nationally recognised Am Law firm seeking a talented Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate (3–6 years) to join its highly regarded and Chambers-ranked corporate practice in Cleveland, Ohio.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious associate looking to work on sophisticated M&A and private equity transactions, gain exposure to a diverse and high-profile client base, and develop their career within a leading corporate practice.

The position offers meaningful transactional responsibility, direct client engagement, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced partners advising on complex, strategic, and transformative transactions.

The Opportunity

You will join an established corporate team advising Fortune 100 companies, leading global private equity sponsors, middle-market businesses, family offices, and founders on a broad range of domestic and cross-border corporate transactions.

The practice offers exposure to sophisticated public and private M&A, private equity investments, joint ventures, and capital raising transactions across a variety of industries.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising corporate clients and private equity sponsors on complex mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and strategic investments.
• Supporting public and private M&A transactions, including buy-side and sell-side representations.
• Drafting and negotiating principal and ancillary transaction documents, including purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, and closing documentation.
• Managing transaction workstreams, coordinating due diligence, and preparing reports and recommendations for clients.
• Advising on corporate governance, organisational matters, shareholder agreements, and other equityholder arrangements.
• Supporting private equity investments, joint ventures, and capital raising transactions.
• Working directly with clients, opposing counsel, and other transaction stakeholders throughout the deal lifecycle.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver commercially focused advice and execute complex transactions efficiently.

About You

We are interested in speaking with corporate associates who demonstrate strong M&A and private equity transactional experience, excellent drafting skills, and the commercial judgment required to manage sophisticated matters.

Ideal candidates will have:

• 3–6 years of experience in corporate M&A and/or private equity transactions.
• A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited U.S. law school, with a strong academic record.
• Previous experience working within a law firm, ideally an Am Law 100 or Am Law 200 corporate practice.
• Significant experience advising on mergers, acquisitions, private equity investments, or related corporate transactions.
• Strong drafting and negotiation experience involving principal transaction documents, ancillary agreements, and corporate governance documentation.
• Experience managing due diligence processes and coordinating multiple transaction workstreams.
• Excellent legal judgment, commercial awareness, and client communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing deadlines and take ownership of complex transactional matters.
• Admission to the Ohio State Bar or eligibility to become admitted.

Familiarity with AI-assisted legal technology and deal execution tools would be advantageous.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position offers an attractive opportunity for a mid-level corporate associate seeking sophisticated transactional work, greater responsibility, and a clear platform for long-term career development within a nationally recognised practice.

Key attractions include:

• Chambers-Ranked Corporate Practice: Join a highly regarded M&A and private equity team recognised for its sophisticated transactional capabilities.
• High-Profile Client Base: Advise Fortune 100 companies, global private equity firms, middle-market businesses, family offices, and founders.
• Sophisticated Deal Exposure: Work on complex public and private M&A, private equity investments, joint ventures, and capital raising transactions.
• Direct Client Engagement: Develop relationships with sophisticated corporate clients and take an active role in managing transactions from start to finish.
• Career Progression & Partnership Opportunities: Benefit from meaningful professional development, business development opportunities, and a platform for long-term advancement.
• Partner Mentorship: Work closely with experienced corporate attorneys who are committed to supporting your technical and professional growth.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, entrepreneurial environment that values teamwork, individual contribution, and exceptional client service.
• Hybrid Working: Benefit from a hybrid working arrangement based in Cleveland.
• Competitive Compensation: Expected base salary of $240,000–$300,000, depending on experience and qualifications, together with eligibility for a performance- and hours-based bonus programme and comprehensive benefits.

For associates currently working within an established corporate or private equity practice who are seeking greater transactional responsibility, exposure to sophisticated clients, and a platform for continued professional progression, this represents a particularly attractive opportunity.

Interested in Learning More?

All enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence.

To be considered, please contact Freddie at freddie@tposearch.com with your resume, cover letter, and law school transcript, deal sheet/representative matters.

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