Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney

Job Description

Job DescriptionEmerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate Attorney
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Compensation: $260,000–$365,000

Direct Counsel is seeking an Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Associate to join a leading Am Law firm in its Salt Lake City office. This is an outstanding opportunity for an attorney with 3–5 years of experience advising high-growth startups, founders, and venture capital investors through every stage of the company lifecycle, from formation to late-stage financing and beyond.

The ideal candidate has experience representing emerging growth and technology companies, as well as venture capital investors, in sophisticated financing transactions and general corporate matters. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside attorneys across corporate, M&A, capital markets, equity compensation, life sciences, and technology practices while advising innovative companies in fast-paced industries.

Responsibilities

• Advise startups, emerging growth companies, and founders on entity formation, corporate governance, and ongoing corporate matters.
• Represent companies and venture capital investors in seed, early-stage, and late-stage financing transactions.
• Draft and negotiate venture financing documents, including preferred stock purchase agreements, investors' rights agreements, voting agreements, and rights of first refusal and co-sale agreements.
• Counsel clients on convertible note and SAFE financings.
• Advise on startup equity compensation matters, including stock option plans, RSU programs, and 409A valuation considerations.
• Provide strategic legal guidance throughout the company lifecycle, including preparation for future liquidity events and public offerings.
• Collaborate with attorneys across M&A, capital markets, technology, life sciences, and executive compensation practices on complex corporate matters.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials.
• 3–5 years of experience representing emerging companies, founders, venture capital funds, or technology companies at a sophisticated law firm.
• Significant experience with venture capital financings and emerging company representation.
• Familiarity with market-standard venture financing terms and documentation, including NVCA model documents.
• Experience advising both company-side and investor-side clients.
• Strong knowledge of Delaware corporate law and corporate governance for privately held companies.
• Experience with startup equity compensation programs, including stock option plans, RSUs, and 409A valuation matters, is strongly preferred.
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, communication, and client counseling skills.
• Active bar membership in good standing or eligibility to obtain admission in Utah.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $260,000–$365,000, depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Backup childcare and eldercare benefits.
• Professional development, mentorship, and long-term career advancement opportunities within a nationally recognized corporate practice.