Associate - Corporate M&A

BakerHostetler • Cleveland, OH

2d • $240,000 - $300,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

BakerHostetler’s Cleveland office seeks an experienced associate to join its Chambers-ranked Business Group, working with the Mergers & Acquisitions and/or Private Equity practice teams, primarily serving corporate and private equity clients. The firm represents clients across diverse industries and handles strategic and transformative transactions, including public and private M&A, private equity, joint ventures, and capital raising. Clients include Fortune 100 public companies, global private equity firms, middle-market private companies, family office investors, and founders.

The associate will contribute to transaction and deal teams, manage transaction workstreams, prepare and draft transaction documents and client communications, and provide business-focused legal guidance. The role calls for strong project management, legal judgment, responsiveness, and the ability to work collaboratively on complex, deadline-driven matters.

The position is located in Cleveland, Ohio. The expected annual salary range is $240,000–$300,000, with compensation determined by factors including experience, education and training, geographic region, and relevant skills. Associates may also participate in a performance- and hours-based bonus program. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

Requirements

• 3–6 years of experience.
• Significant experience in M&A and/or private equity transactions, with a strong working knowledge of core transactional practice and experience managing transaction workstreams.
• Strong drafting skills, including experience preparing transaction documents, diligence reports, client communications, governance and organizational documents, and equityholder agreements and communications.
• Ability to work efficiently with a fast-paced, complex workload, balance multiple projects, maintain priorities, and anticipate issues.
• Strong academic record and a J.D. from a nationally recognized and accredited law school.
• Admitted to practice law in Ohio or eligible to become admitted to practice law in Ohio.
• Professional commitment and interpersonal skills suited to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Superior legal judgment, ability to provide business-focused guidance, and commitment to responsiveness and client service.
• Excellent project management capabilities and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at an AmLaw 100 or AmLaw 200 law firm.
• Proficiency with AI and deal execution tools.

Responsibilities

• Work as a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions and/or Private Equity practice teams, primarily serving corporate and private equity clients.
• Manage transaction workstreams and contribute to practice and deal teams.
• Draft primary and ancillary transaction documents, diligence reports, client communications, governance and organizational documents, and equityholder agreements and communications.
• Balance multiple projects, maintain priorities, anticipate issues, and manage complex workloads efficiently.
• Provide business-focused legal guidance and responsive client service.
• Collaborate with clients and team members in a deadline-driven environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and top-tier benefits.
• Performance- and hours-based bonus program.
• Mentorship from industry leaders.
• Opportunities for professional growth and business development, including advancement and partnership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree