Associate, Shareholder Activism

White & Case LLP•New York, NY

9d•$225,000 - $390,000•Onsite

About The Position

White & Case is seeking junior and midlevel associates with M&A experience to join its M&A/Corporate practice in the New York office, focusing on shareholder activism-related matters. The role advises public companies, hedge funds, private equity firms, and investment banks on mergers and acquisitions, takeover preparedness and defense, shareholder activism and defense, general corporate matters, and securities offerings. Candidates should have excellent academic credentials and legal knowledge, commercial awareness, and an interest in sophisticated public transactional work and activism-related matters. The position calls for strong drafting, writing, analytical, organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and project management skills; attention to detail; composure in a fast-paced environment; adaptability; effective communication and negotiation; and a collaborative, proactive approach. Basic knowledge of U.S. securities laws, including proxy rules, is expected. Experience drafting and negotiating SPAs, APAs, merger agreements, LLC or partnership agreements, and ancillary transaction documents is desirable but not required. The role involves working under tight deadlines and managing multiple workstreams and communication channels. Associates are expected to take ownership of their work, exercise sound legal and commercial judgment, identify issues early, offer practical solutions, and deliver strong results while working with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders. The position reports to a Partner. The listed salary range is US$225,000–US$390,000.

Requirements

At least 2 years of substantive M&A experience at a leading law firm for junior associate candidates, or at least 4 years for midlevel associate candidates.
A strong foundation in public company transactions.
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Admission to the New York bar, or ability to become admitted, and good standing.
Fluency in English.
Basic knowledge of U.S. securities laws, including proxy rules.
Strong academic record and excellent legal drafting, writing, and analytical skills.
Strong attention to detail, organizational, verbal, interpersonal, and project management skills.
Sound legal and commercial judgment, with the ability to identify issues early and propose practical, business-oriented solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects and remain calm under pressure and tight deadlines.
Clear, professional communication with clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders.
Proactive, resourceful, self-motivated approach and willingness to take initiative and ownership of work.
Collaborative approach and ability to contribute to a high-performing deal team.

Nice To Haves

Direct shareholder activism experience focused on defense and/or activism for midlevel candidates.
Experience drafting and negotiating SPAs, APAs, merger agreements, LLC agreements, partnership agreements, and other ancillary transaction documents.
Commercial awareness, intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, adaptability, and interest in activism and activism defense.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparing nomination notices and proxy statements.
Advise on and lead drafting efforts for shareholder cooperation agreements, share purchase and merger agreements, joint ventures, and investments for clients investing in public markets.
Conduct and oversee legal research and diligence.
Ensure clients’ interests are represented and protected.
Manage discrete aspects of transactions independently, with supervision appropriate to class year.
Communicate and coordinate with clients, opposing counsel, practice groups, and internal stakeholders.