Corporate Associate

Job title: M&A/PE Associate Attorney

Location: Manhattan, NY

Salary: $260,000–$450,000 base + discretionary bonus, depending on class year

Join one of the world’s most prestigious M&A and Private Equity practices, advising on the transactions shaping the global economy…

This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious 3rd- to 6th-year Associate to join an elite global platform, take meaningful ownership of landmark transactions and work directly with some of the market’s most prominent dealmakers.

Our client is one of the world’s leading international law firms, trusted by major private equity sponsors, financial institutions, and global businesses to execute their most complex and transformational transactions.

Its position at the top of the market is clear: Band 1 for nationwide Corporate/M&A in Chambers USA 2026 and ranked the #1 global M&A adviser by both deal count and value in Bloomberg’s 2025 league tables.

During 2025 alone, the firm advised on more than 760 M&A transactions globally, with an aggregate value exceeding $1 trillion.

But this is not a firm standing still.

Following its expansion into a second New York location, alongside plans to extend its footprint further, the firm is investing heavily in the next stage of its growth.

As of 4 August 2026, it had already made 64 lateral M&A hires this year. The target is approximately 80 by the end of 2026, with plans for around 100 further hires during 2027.

For incoming Associates, that growth means more than increased deal flow. It creates genuine scope for earlier responsibility, greater partner and client exposure, and long-term progression within a practice that is actively building its next generation of leaders.

The team advises on everything from strategic acquisitions and cross-border carve-outs to public company transactions, take-privates and multibillion-dollar exits, combining elite technical capability with the scale and resources to execute virtually any transaction, anywhere in the world.

During 2025 alone, the firm advised on more than 700+ M&A transactions globally, with an aggregate value exceeding $1 trillion.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead complex domestic and cross-border M&A and PE transactions from structuring through closing.
• Advise leading sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic buyers on acquisitions, disposals and exits.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents while owning diligence and critical deal workstreams.
• Coordinate specialist teams, manage clients and counterparties, and supervise junior Associates.
• Deliver clear, commercial advice on complex legal and transactional risks.

What they need:

• J.D. class of 2023 or earlier, with 2+ years of high-quality M&A/PE experience.
• Experience taking a leading role on transactions valued above €1 billion.
• Training from a leading international or Am Law corporate practice.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and end-to-end deal execution skills.
• Excellent commercial judgement, communication and attention to detail.

What’s on offer:

• $260,000–$450,000 base salary, depending on class year, plus discretionary bonus.
• Access to multibillion-dollar, cross-border and award-winning transactions.
• Work with leading private equity sponsors, financial institutions and global businesses.
• Meaningful responsibility and direct client exposure within an elite international platform.
• First-class benefits, professional development and a collaborative, inclusive culture.

If you are an M&A or Private Equity Associate looking to work on landmark transactions within one of the strongest global platforms in the market, get in touch to learn more.

E: harry.laight@hawkstonesearch.com

M: +1 (929) 388 6787

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