Associate – Corporate (M&A) – Atlanta

Position Summary

McDermott Will & Schulte is seeking a corporate associate with at least 2 years of experience to join its sophisticated M&A practice. This position is open to candidates in Atlanta only. Candidates will take meaningful ownership of transaction workstreams from deal inception through closing and help deliver outstanding client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate principal transaction documents (e.g., acquisition agreements, equity documents and ancillary documents) and coordinate input across deal teams.
• Manage and execute due diligence (including identifying and escalating issues/"red flags"), and help translate diligence findings into transaction documents and deal process planning.
• Provide post-closing support.
• Drive and organize deal execution and closings, including managing through aggressive timelines.
• Collaborate with specialists (e.g., finance, tax, benefits, real estate, IP, litigation) and help manage cross-functional workflows to keep matters moving on schedule.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• At least 2 years of M&A experience, preferably within a large or similarly sophisticated law firm environment.
• Demonstrated ability to run substantial components of transactions (e.g., discrete workstreams) from early deal stages through closing.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and communication skills, including comfort interacting directly with clients and internal deal teams.
• Must be barred in the state of Georgia.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience advising strategic buyers/sellers in complex, fast-moving transactions with multiple stakeholders.
• Comfort managing multiple matters in a deadline-driven environment, including prioritization and proactive communication to keep deals on track.
• Interest in staying current on market practice and legal developments relevant to M&A.

Pay

• 2026/2025 Class Compensation Years: $235,000
• 2024 Class Compensation Years: $245,000
• 2023 Class Compensation Years: $270,000
• 2022 Class Compensation Years: $320,000
• 2021 Class Compensation Years: $385,000
• 2020 Class Compensation Years: $410,000
• 2019 Class Compensation Years: $440,000
• 2018 and more senior class compensation years: $455,000

Questions can be directed to Renee Richford, Talent Acquisition Manager, at Rrichford@mcdermottlaw.com.