Corporate M&A Associate Attorney (San Diego) at Pernini Legal, LLC
Job Description
CORPORATE M&A ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY / MID-LEVEL
PUBLIC & PRIVATE COMPANY TRANSACTIONS
Location: San Diego, CA
HYBRID
A top-10 AmLaw firm is seeking a mid-level Associate Attorney to join its thriving Corporate Practice Group in San Diego. This is an excellent opportunity to represent public and private companies in complex, high-value mergers and acquisitions (M&A), including cross-border deals and corporate restructurings.
Candidate Profile
- JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record.
- Active Bar Admission in California, in good standing.
- 4–6 years of substantive M&A experience representing public and private companies.
- Experience drafting and negotiating principal acquisition agreements and leading deal negotiations.
- Familiarity with complex cross-border transactions and global corporate restructurings is a plus.
- Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams, interact confidently with clients, and deliver high-quality work product under tight deadlines.
- Prior experience at an AmLaw 100 firm is strongly preferred.
- Soft Skills: Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, sound business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support domestic and cross-border M&A transactions through all phases, including structuring, negotiation, diligence, documentation, and closing.
- Draft and negotiate stock and asset purchase agreements, merger agreements, disclosure schedules, and related transactional documents.
- Advise clients on fiduciary duties, corporate governance, and regulatory and compliance issues in connection with transactional activity.
- Provide counsel on global corporate restructurings.
- Work directly with clients, co-counsel, and opposing counsel to manage deal execution.
- Coordinate with internal teams, including tax, antitrust, employment, and IP, to ensure comprehensive legal guidance.
- Mentor junior associates and contribute to a high-performing transactional team.
- Remain current on market trends and legal developments impacting M&A transactions.
Why Join Us?
This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of complex M&A activity, representing premier clients across a wide array of industries. Associates in this group enjoy early client contact, meaningful responsibility, and collaboration with seasoned dealmakers. The team fosters a culture that is both ambitious and collegial, prioritizing professional development, mentorship, and long-term career growth. The San Diego office’s strong platform and the group’s deep bench of transactional talent make this an outstanding opportunity for attorneys who are serious about building a premier M&A practice.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive Compensation: Annual base salary is expected to range from $310,000 – $390,000, determined by experience, qualifications, and market factors. Discretionary bonus opportunities are also available.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; 401(k) plan; paid parental leave; generous vacation; professional development support; commuter benefits; and wellness programs.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a resume, law school transcript, and cover letter for consideration.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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