Associate, M&A Private Equity Energy

White & Case LLP•Houston, TX

4d•$225,000 - $260,000•Onsite

About The Position

Our Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Practice is globally recognized as a top-tier leader in both public and private M&A transactions. We deliver unparalleled legal services for complex corporate deals, offering strategic planning, due diligence, negotiation, and execution of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other business combinations. Serving a diverse clientele, including multinational corporations, private equity firms and banks, our team ensures regulatory compliance, manages risk, and structures transactions for optimal outcomes. By combining extensive legal expertise with deep market insight, we help clients navigate high-stakes transactions, fostering growth and creating value, solidifying our reputation as one of the premier M&A practices worldwide. We are currently looking for a junior associate with private equity and M&A experience to join the M&A Corporate practice in our Houston office. This role will advise privately held and high growth companies, as well as private equity funds and corporate strategics, in connection with mergers, acquisitions, divestures, corporate restructurings, and general corporate matters. As well as possessing excellent academic credentials and legal knowledge, you should also be commercially minded, with a solid grasp of the market. Ideal candidates should have excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, organizational, verbal, interpersonal and project management skills. Oral and written communication skills will be major assets—to seamlessly manage the flow of information between practice groups, clients and stakeholders. Regularly working in large, international and multidisciplinary teams, you should also demonstrate a collaborative approach and an ease interacting with a wide range of legal and business professionals. Proactive and self-motivated, you should be eager to take ownership of your work product and demonstrate the skill, talent and commitment to deliver outstanding results.

Requirements

1+ years of substantive M&A experience at a leading law firm, with a strong foundation in public and private company transactions
Experience representing buyers, sellers, and financial sponsors in domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures
Ability to run discrete aspects of transactions independently, with appropriate supervision
Exercises sound legal and commercial judgment; identifies issues early and proposes practical, business-oriented solutions
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and creative thinking when addressing complex legal and structural issues
Anticipates client needs and maintains a service-oriented mindset consistent with our client expectations
Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders
Strong academic record and excellent legal drafting and analytical skills
Contributes to a collaborative, high-performing deal team culture
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree (LLM or foreign equivalent) from an accredited law school
Admitted to the Texas bar (or the ability to become admitted) and in good standing
Strong time management skills, ability to stay calm under pressure when juggling multiple projects
Proactive, resourceful, takes initiative and a self-starter
Fluency in English

Nice To Haves

Commercially minded, with a solid grasp of the market
Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills
Strong attention to detail, organizational, verbal, interpersonal and project management skills
Oral and written communication skills will be major assets
Collaborative approach and an ease interacting with a wide range of legal and business professionals
Eager to take ownership of your work product and demonstrate the skill, talent and commitment to deliver outstanding results

Responsibilities

Drafts basic legal documents, including term sheets, non-disclosure agreements and simple purchase agreements under the guidance of more senior lawyers
Organizes and maintains case files, ensuring all documents are up-to-date and readily accessible
Supports due diligence processes by organizing and reviewing documents
Attends negotiations to assist senior lawyers, taking detailed notes and provides pre-meeting support by drafting agendas and presentation slides
Handles basic day-to-day communication with clients to gather information and respond to inquiries
Handles administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and filing documents