Associate, Shareholder Activism

Our Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Practice is globally recognized as a top-tier leader in both public and private M&A transactions. We deliver unparalleled legal services for complex corporate deals, offering strategic planning, due diligence, negotiation, and execution of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other business combinations. We are currently looking for both a junior associate and a midlevel associate with M&A experience to join the M&A/Corporate practice in our NY office and focus on Shareholder Activism-related matters.

Responsibilities

Assisting with the preparation of nomination notices and proxy statements; Advising and leading drafting efforts for all aspects of shareholder cooperation agreements, share purchase/merger agreements, joint ventures and investments for sophisticated clients investing in the public markets; Conducting and overseeing legal research and diligence; Ensuring clients' interests are properly represented and protected at all times; Advising public companies, hedge funds, private equity firms and investment banks in connection with mergers and acquisitions, takeover preparedness and defense, shareholder activism and defense, general corporate advisory work and securities offerings

Requirements

2+ years (junior associate) or 4+ years (mid-level associate) of substantive M&A experience at a leading law firm, with a strong foundation in public company transactions; Direct experience with shareholder activism focused on defense and/or activism preferred for mid-level candidates; Ability to run discrete aspects of transactions independently, with appropriate supervision depending on class year; Exercises sound legal and commercial judgment; identifies issues early and proposes practical, business-oriented solutions; Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and creative thinking when addressing complex legal and structural issues; Anticipates client needs and maintains a service-oriented mindset consistent with client expectations; Communicates clearly and professionally with clients, opposing counsel, and internal stakeholders; Strong time management skills, ability to stay calm under pressure when juggling multiple projects; Proactive, resourceful, takes initiative and is a self-starter; Strong academic record and excellent legal drafting and analytical skills; Contributes to a collaborative, high-performing deal team culture; Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school; Admitted to the New York bar (or the ability to become admitted) and in good standing; Fluency in English; Excellent academic credentials and legal knowledge; Commercially minded, with a solid grasp of the market; Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills; Strong attention to detail, organizational, verbal, interpersonal and project management skills; Basic knowledge of United States securities laws (including the proxy rules)

Nice to have

Direct experience with shareholder activism focused on defense and/or activism; Experience in drafting and negotiating SPAs, APAs and/or merger agreements, LLC and/or partnership agreements and other ancillary transaction documents; Interest in activism and activism defense

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; Life and disability coverage; 401(k) retirement savings; Vacation time; Leave programs (including parental leave); Performance bonus eligibility for exempt roles