Labor & Employment Transactional Associate

About the role

McGuireWoods is seeking a sharp, driven associate with 3-6 years of experience to join our Labor & Employment department, within a sophisticated transactional and advisory practice where employment law, executive mobility, and corporate dealmaking intersect. This is not a traditional employment law role. Our team works at the center of high-stakes matters where personnel issues directly affect enterprise value, leadership stability, and post-closing integration. You will work closely with corporate deal teams, private equity sponsors, and corporate clients navigating workforce challenges that arise in connection with M&A transactions, leadership transitions, restrictive covenant enforcement, and other sensitive personnel issues that arise during and after transactions.

This position may be based in Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Chicago, or Dallas.

Responsibilities

• Supporting labor and employment diligence in mergers, acquisitions, and private equity investments
• Drafting and negotiating executive employment agreements, separation arrangements, and restrictive covenant agreements
• Advising on executive mobility issues, including the structuring and enforceability of non-competition and non-solicitation obligations
• Supporting post-transaction workforce integration, including executive transitions and sensitive personnel matters that arise following closing
• Partnering with senior executives and corporate leadership to advise on personnel and governance issues where discretion and strategic judgment are essential
• Collaborating with corporate deal teams and private equity sponsors on matters where employment issues affect transaction value and risk allocation

Requirements

• 3-6 years of experience in labor and employment or corporate transactional practice, with demonstrated involvement in employment-related issues
• Experience supporting M&A transactions or private equity investments strongly preferred
• Strong drafting experience with employment agreements and restrictive covenant arrangements
• Excellent academic credentials
• Must be admitted to practice in the jurisdiction to which they are applying

Skills

• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work product under tight deadlines
• Ability to work effectively with corporate deal teams, private equity sponsors, and senior business leaders
• Ownership mindset with intellectual curiosity, strong problem-solving instincts, and the ability to analyze complex issues quickly and exercise sound judgment
• Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms, including Harvey AI to accelerate research, streamline document drafting, and enhance analytical work

Benefits

• Excellent benefits
• Competitive salary with hours and merit bonus opportunities
• Billable hours credit for pro bono work
• Meaningful support for career development through new initiatives and enhanced efforts