Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job DescriptionEmerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney

Locations: Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Palo Alto, California; San Diego, California; San Francisco, California

Direct Counsel is seeking an Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate to join the premier Emerging Companies + Venture Capital Practice Group of a globally recognized law firm. This is an exceptional opportunity for an associate with significant ECVC experience to work with high-growth startups, leading venture capital investors, and innovative companies across the technology, life sciences, and consumer products sectors.

The practice advises emerging growth companies throughout the full business lifecycle — from formation and early-stage financing through strategic transactions, public offerings, and exits — while partnering with some of the most active investors and founders in the innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Advise startups and emerging growth companies on a wide range of corporate and transactional matters
• Represent venture capital funds and investors in financing transactions
• Handle:
  • Seed financings
  • Venture capital financings
  • Growth equity transactions
  • Corporate governance matters
  • Strategic transactions
  • Public offerings
• Draft and negotiate venture financing documents, including transactions utilizing NVCA forms
• Support startup-focused mergers and acquisitions transactions
• Counsel founders, boards, and investors on strategic business and legal matters
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on sophisticated corporate transactions
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide practical, business-oriented legal advice

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• 4–6 years of significant emerging companies and venture capital experience
• Strong experience representing startups and emerging growth companies required
• Experience handling venture financings using NVCA documents required
• Experience with startup-focused domestic M&A transactions preferred
• Interest in or exposure to technology, life sciences, and/or consumer products industries preferred
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business judgment and client management abilities
• Ability to independently manage transactions while collaborating within a team-oriented environment
• Admission to the applicable state bar or eligibility to waive in

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $310,000 – $390,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Competitive discretionary bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Industry-leading parental leave and family support benefits
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) retirement plans
• Wellness and mental health resources, including employee assistance and wellness programs
• Flexible time away and reduced schedule arrangements
• Paid bar registration and professional association fees
• Robust mentorship, sponsorship, and career development programs
• Significant pro bono opportunities and charitable matching initiatives

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ECVC associate seeking sophisticated startup and venture capital work, direct client engagement, and long-term growth within one of the nation’s leading emerging companies and venture capital practices.