Associate – Mergers & Acquisitions / Corporate

At a glance

  • Location: Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus, Ohio
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job sector: Legal
  • Salary: $220k–$250k
  • Published: July 6, 2026

One of the largest and most respected U.S. law firms is seeking a talented Corporate/M&A Associate with 3–6 years’ experience to join its nationally recognised Corporate practice.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a collaborative team advising public and private companies, private equity sponsors and investors on sophisticated corporate transactions. Working on a national platform, you will collaborate with partners across multiple offices while taking ownership of complex deals and developing long-term client relationships.

The Role

As part of a growing Corporate practice, you will advise clients across a broad spectrum of transactional matters, including:

  • Public and private mergers and acquisitions
  • Private equity investments, acquisitions and exits
  • Joint ventures and strategic alliances
  • Growth equity financings
  • General corporate and commercial matters
  • Corporate governance advice
  • Capital markets transactions
  • Day-to-day legal support for in-house legal departments and executive leadership teams

You will play an integral role throughout the transaction lifecycle, including:

  • Managing due diligence processes
  • Preparing and negotiating transaction documents
  • Drafting ancillary agreements and disclosure documentation
  • Preparing due diligence reports
  • Coordinating signing and closing processes
  • Leading transactions from inception through completion with minimal supervision
  • Building and maintaining strong client relationships while delivering practical, commercial legal advice

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have:

  • 3–6 years’ experience in corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions
  • Experience handling public and private M&A transactions
  • Experience with private equity transactions and general corporate matters
  • Exposure to capital markets transactions
  • Experience advising on joint ventures, commercial contracts or other sophisticated transactional matters
  • The ability to independently manage transactions from start to finish
  • Excellent drafting, negotiation and analytical skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • A collaborative approach and outstanding client service skills
  • A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited, nationally recognised law school
  • Admission to practice law in Ohio
  • Experience gained at an AmLaw 100–200 law firm is strongly preferred

What Will Set You Apart

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

  • The ability to manage multiple complex transactions while balancing competing priorities
  • Strong commercial judgement and practical problem-solving skills
  • Confidence working directly with sophisticated clients and senior stakeholders
  • Experience collaborating with lawyers across multiple offices and practice groups
  • Excellent project management and organisational skills
  • A polished, client-facing communication style
  • A proactive mindset with the ability to anticipate issues before they arise
  • A commitment to teamwork, mentorship and delivering exceptional client service

Why Join This Firm?

This is an opportunity to join one of the country’s premier law firms and play an important role in the continued growth of a highly regarded Corporate practice.

The firm offers:

  • Top-tier reputation as one of the nation’s leading AmLaw firms
  • A collaborative, supportive culture that encourages teamwork and professional development
  • A growing Corporate and M&A practice backed by significant investment from firm leadership
  • Access to a national platform with sophisticated clients and market-leading transactions
  • Meaningful responsibility from day one, with autonomy to manage transactions and build client relationships
  • A clear pathway to partnership and long-term career progression
  • An entrepreneurial environment that supports innovation, business development and individual growth
  • The opportunity to work alongside highly respected corporate lawyers across multiple offices

Salary & Benefits

  • Base salary: $220k–$250k, depending on experience
  • Competitive performance- and hours-based bonus programme
  • Comprehensive healthcare, retirement and wellbeing benefits
  • Generous paid time off
  • Ongoing mentoring, training and professional development
  • Excellent long-term career progression opportunities

Apply now

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