Corporate Counsel and Strategic Acquisitions

PayBright•Raleigh, NC

35d•Hybrid

About The Position

PayBright is seeking an entrepreneurial attorney to serve as its primary in-house legal resource and work directly with the CEO to build the legal and business infrastructure for a long-term acquisition strategy. This role blends legal leadership, corporate development, acquisitions, investment analysis, and long-term strategic planning. The ideal candidate will proactively identify acquisition opportunities, evaluate businesses, analyze financial performance, participate in negotiations, coordinate transactions, and support newly acquired companies. This is a highly autonomous position for someone who enjoys creating opportunities, solving complex business problems, and building long-term value, and is comfortable moving between legal analysis and business strategy with a practical, growth-oriented mindset.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
3-8 years of experience in corporate law, M&A, commercial transactions, private equity, corporate development, investment banking, or another highly transactional environment
Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
Strong financial and analytical skills
Excellent written and verbal communication

Nice To Haves

Mergers and acquisitions
Private equity
Corporate development
Financial modeling
Business valuation
Due diligence
Entrepreneurship
Working with founder-owned businesses

Responsibilities

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements.
Advising leadership on corporate, employment, and governance matters.
Preparing and maintaining legal templates and corporate documentation.
Managing outside counsel for specialized legal matters.
Identifying legal and business risks while providing practical, business-focused solutions.
Sourcing acquisition opportunities through networking, conferences, referrals, industry research, and direct outreach.
Building long-term relationships with business owners, brokers, attorneys, accountants, bankers, and other referral partners.
Evaluating businesses for strategic and financial fit.
Conducting preliminary investment analysis and preparing recommendations for executive leadership.
Participating in meetings with prospective sellers and helping build lasting relationships.
Coordinating due diligence.
Assisting with valuation and transaction structuring.
Negotiating business and legal terms.
Working alongside outside advisors through closing.
Supporting integration efforts after acquisitions.
Monitoring portfolio performance and helping identify opportunities for operational improvement and long-term growth.