Corporate Attorney - M&A and Private Equity

About the Firm and the RoleVarnum is seeking an attorney with substantial transactional experience to join its Corporate Practice Team in one of the firm's Michigan offices. This attorney will work closely with the firm's M&A and private equity practice, providing first-chair support on complex transactions for closely held businesses, private equity sponsors, emerging growth companies, and family-owned enterprises.For over a century, Varnum attorneys have served the business community with a full array of corporate services, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital, joint ventures, and general business counseling. Our attorneys have the expertise and experience to be trusted business advisors, and our multidisciplinary, team-based approach taps the talents of any attorney whose expertise fits a client's situation. Within this suite of corporate services, our M&A and private equity practice represents clients on buy-side and sell-side transactions of all types and sizes, both nationally and internationally. This is a unique opportunity to join a thriving law firm and a highly successful transactional practice. ResponsibilitiesThe attorney will collaborate with clients, partners, and associates across a range of transactional and corporate counseling matters. Responsibilities will include:Lead and manage M&A transactions in a first-chair capacity, including structuring, due diligence, negotiation, and execution of buy-side and sell-side dealsRepresent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and closely held businesses through all stages of the deal cycleDraft, review, and negotiate acquisition agreements, ancillary transaction documents, and a wide range of commercial contracts and business agreementsAdvise clients on venture capital financings, joint ventures, and other business combination and investment transactionsCounsel clients on day-to-day corporate matters, including entity formation, corporate structuring, governance, succession planning, and general business counselingManage client relationships, serve as a primary point of contact on assigned matters, and contribute to business development efforts across the firm's corporate practiceMentor and collaborate with associates and other members of the corporate practice team on transactional and general corporate matters QualificationsCandidates should be prepared to step into a role where they will have an immediate impact on complex M&A and private equity transactions while also supporting the broader needs of the firm's corporate clients.Candidates should have:Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law schoolAt least 7–10 years of relevant legal experience at a law firm, with substantial experience in mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactionsDemonstrated first-chair experience leading complex transactions, including managing deal teams, coordinating due diligence, and driving negotiations to closingStrong drafting and negotiation skills, with the ability to produce clear, client-ready transactional documents and legal analysisExperience representing private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, closely held businesses, or family-owned enterprises preferredSound analytical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work through ambiguous legal and business issues to identify practical, risk-based solutionsAbility to manage multiple matters, deadlines, and priorities while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalismAbility to work independently on transactions and corporate matters with limited supervisionOwnership of matters and follow-through on deadlines, details, and client commitmentsA collaborative, professional approach to working with clients, partners, associates, and staff While preferable, an existing book of business is not required for this role. Admission to the Michigan bar is required. Candidates not licensed to practice in Michigan must be willing to become admitted to the Michigan bar. The firm will provide relocation support to candidates interested in moving to Michigan and reimburse expenses related to bar admission. How to ApplyFor immediate consideration, candidates should submit a resume, transcript, and list of representative engagements/transactions using Varnum's secure applicant portal.