Corporate & M&A legal practice

Job Description

Job Description

A nationally recognized AmLaw 100 firm is strategically expanding its Corporate & M&A practice in its Downtown Los Angeles office and seeks a partner-level attorney with a demonstrated portable book of middle-market transactional business.

This opportunity is designed for an entrepreneurial partner who is looking to build and grow a corporate platform within a nationally recognized law firm. The Los Angeles office has historically been litigation-focused, and the firm is intentionally diversifying its practice mix to establish a stronger corporate presence in the Southern California market.

The ideal candidate will bring a portable book of business of at least $1.5 million, with a significant portion of working attorney collections, and have substantial experience leading middle-market M&A transactions.

Practice Overview

The practice maintains a nationally respected Corporate & Business Transactions platform representing middle-market companies, private equity sponsors, growth-stage businesses, and strategic acquirers. The platform is particularly strong in:

• Middle-market M&A (buy-side and sell-side)
• Private equity transactions
• Founder-led and closely held business transactions
• Corporate governance and strategic advisory work
• Cross-office transactional collaboration (real estate, finance, restructuring)

The transactional client base is predominantly middle-market rather than Fortune 100 public company securities work, allowing for rate flexibility, deep client relationships, and sophisticated deal execution without ultra-elite public company rate pressure.

Key Responsibilities

• Originate, manage, and execute M&A transactions and corporate matters.
• Lead buy-side and sell-side transactions for middle-market companies.
• Advise private equity sponsors and portfolio companies.
• Supervise and mentor associates and deal teams.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with litigation, regulatory, finance, and real estate partners across offices.
• Expand and deepen the firm’s corporate footprint in the Los Angeles market.
• Actively contribute to business development and cross-selling initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the California Bar (or ability to waive in).
• 15+ years of corporate transactional experience.
• Demonstrated portable book of business of at least $1.5 million.
• Meaningful working attorney collections (ideally ~$1M+ personally billed).
• Significant experience handling middle-market M&A transactions.
• Proven history of originating and maintaining client relationships.
• Ability to independently manage complex deal processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Portable book exceeding $2 million.
• Experience representing private equity funds and sponsors.
• Ability to bring an associate or junior partner.
• Industry focus in healthcare, technology, life sciences, manufacturing, or consumer products.
• Cross-border transactional experience.
• Demonstrated growth trajectory in business development.