Overview
Corporate & Securities Associate | 3rd Year+ | AM Law 100 Firm| Chicago, IL | $260,000-$435,000 Base + Benefits Jobs in Chicago, IL at Watts & Associates Recruitment
Title: Corporate & Securities Associate | 3rd Year+ | AM Law 100 Firm| Chicago, IL | $260,000-$435,000 Base + Benefits
Company: Watts & Associates Recruitment
Location: Chicago, IL
Corporate & Securities Associate | 3rd Year+ | Chicago, IL | $260,000-$435,000 Base + Benefits
Watts & Associates is working discreetly with a nationally recognized independent full-service firm seeking a Corporate & Securities Associate at third-year level or above to join its growing Chicago office.
This role offers sophisticated M&A and corporate work for private equity sponsors, public companies and privately held businesses. The successful attorney will work closely with experienced deal lawyers, own key transaction workstreams and gain exposure to private equity, securities, capital markets and governance matters.
Company Highlights
- Join a nationally recognized firm advising leading middle-market companies, public businesses and private equity investors.
- Work within a Chambers Band 1 Corporate/M&A practice also recognized by Legal 500 and Best Law Firms.
- Contribute to a growing Chicago office supported by an established national platform.
- Join a team that led more than 400 transactions valued from $20 million to over $15 billion in four years.
- Gain exposure to award-winning M&A and private equity matters across major growth industries.
- Advise private equity sponsors, strategic buyers and public and private companies.
- Benefit from accessible teams, substantive responsibility and meaningful client interaction.
- Develop through tailored lateral integration, mentoring, quarterly feedback and practical training.
- Build your career within a culture focused on inclusion, wellbeing and community service.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is an opportunity to join a sophisticated Corporate & Securities practice offering:
• High-quality M&A and private equity work for public and private clients
• Exposure across acquisitions, investments, securities and governance matters
• Ownership of diligence, drafting, negotiation and closing workstreams
• Direct access to experienced partners and sophisticated client teams
• Commercial exposure across healthcare, technology and other growth sectors
• Formal mentoring, tailored integration, practical training and regular feedback
• Long-term progression within a nationally recognized corporate platform
The Role
The successful attorney will support and lead corporate transactions, including:
• Drafting and negotiating purchase, merger and ancillary agreements
• Conducting legal research and preparing practical client advice
• Managing diligence, disclosure schedules, checklists and closing documents
• Representing private equity sponsors and public and private companies
• Coordinating with clients, counterparties and transaction stakeholders
• Collaborating with tax, finance, benefits, healthcare and regulatory teams
• Supporting negotiation, signing, closing and post-closing implementation
• Advising on transaction structure, risk allocation and governance
• Assisting with SEC reporting and capital markets matters where relevant
The role offers direct partner collaboration, increasing responsibility and substantial client exposure within a growing Chicago office.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The firm is seeking a Corporate & Securities Associate at third-year level or above with:
• At least two years of sophisticated corporate transactional experience
• M&A experience for private equity, private company and/or public company clients
• Excellent analytical, written, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Experience drafting and negotiating core transaction documents
• Strong organization and the ability to manage multiple workstreams
• Excellent academic credentials and a J.D. from T14 law school
• An active Illinois Bar Admission in good standing
• Experience within an AMLaw corporate law-firm environment
Experience with SEC reporting, capital markets or corporate governance is preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
The anticipated base salary range is $260,000-$435,000, depending on experience, seniority and qualifications.
Benefits-eligible attorneys and their dependents receive medical, dental and vision insurance, together with professional-development resources and other firm benefits.
Kindly apply with your resume. Should your experience align with the opportunity we will reach out to telephonically or via e-mail or LinkedIn to schedule a discreet call. All discussions will be handled in strict confidence.
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