Corporate Venture Capital Associate

About This Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Venture Capital Associate to join our expanding practice representing emerging technology and life sciences companies alongside the institutional investors who fund them. This role offers the unique opportunity to work directly with high-growth ventures at every stage of their lifecycle, from early formation through late-stage transactions.

Our practice sits at the intersection of innovation and capital, providing unparalleled exposure to the companies and investors shaping the future of technology and life sciences. You'll counsel founders, CEOs, and boards on their most critical transactions and strategic decisions while advising venture capital firms on their investment strategies.

What Makes This Role Different

Sustainable work culture: Competitive billable hours expectations with credit for firm contributions and pro bono work

Flexible work environment: Hybrid schedule with regular in-office collaboration

Direct client responsibility: Lead transactions independently with mentorship from experienced attorneys

Clear advancement pathway: Structured development programs focused on career progression

Diverse practice exposure: Work across multiple high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, digital health, defense technology, financial services, and life sciences

Comprehensive experience: Represent both emerging companies and their venture capital investors, gaining complete market perspective

Core Responsibilities

Transaction Leadership

Independently manage venture capital financings, including early-stage instruments, seed rounds, and multi-stage preferred stock financings

Lead mergers and acquisitions transactions for growth companies and venture-backed exits

Serve as primary counsel to founders, CEOs, management teams, and boards of directors

Navigate sophisticated deal structures from initial negotiation through closing and post-closing matters

Client Counseling

Advise early-stage companies from inception through exit on corporate governance, equity compensation, and strategic matters

Guide venture capital firms and institutional investors on investment strategies, portfolio company governance, and fund operations

Draft and negotiate early-stage financing instruments, term sheets, preferred stock documents, investor agreements, and related transaction materials

Counsel on corporate governance best practices, board composition, and fiduciary duties

Strategic Advisory

Provide ongoing corporate counsel to portfolio companies on matters including equity compensation plans, capitalization management, and co-investor relationships

Advise on corporate structure optimization, including entity selection, reorganizations, and jurisdictional matters

Support clients on secondary transactions, liquidity events, and tender offers

Navigate regulatory and compliance matters affecting venture-backed companies

Relationship Development

Build and maintain relationships within the private technology and life sciences venture capital ecosystems

Collaborate with colleagues across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal solutions

Represent clients across diverse industries including AI, digital health, defense tech, gaming, and financial services

Participate in industry conferences and venture capital community events

Practice Development

Contribute to thought leadership through client communications and presentations

Mentor associates and contribute to team knowledge-sharing initiatives

Stay current on market trends, emerging legal issues, and venture capital financing structures

Support business development initiatives and client relationship management

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Experience & Background

5-9 years of corporate law experience at a recognized national or international law firm

Substantial experience in venture capital transactions and/or mergers and acquisitions

Demonstrated ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions from inception to completion

Track record of directly counseling founders, management teams, and institutional investors

For certain locations: Experience leading corporate transactions at an established law firm with interest in venture capital work

Education

Juris Doctor from a nationally recognized law school

Strong academic credentials with demonstrated excellence

State bar admission in good standing (or ability to obtain admission)

Technical Skills

Deep familiarity with venture capital financing structures, including convertible instruments and preferred equity financings

Expertise in corporate governance matters for private companies, including board structure, voting arrangements, and protective provisions

Proficiency in drafting and negotiating sophisticated venture capital transaction documents

Understanding of capitalization management, equity compensation structures, and ownership analysis

Knowledge of venture capital fund structures and investor dynamics (preferred)

Professional Attributes

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain sophisticated legal concepts to business audiences

Strong business judgment and ability to provide practical, commercially-focused advice

Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority matters simultaneously while maintaining precision

Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills and team orientation

Entrepreneurial approach to client service and creative problem-solving

Comfort navigating ambiguity and providing counsel in dynamic transaction environments

Preferred Experience

Background representing both emerging growth companies and venture capital investors

Exposure to complex venture capital transactions or multi-jurisdictional clients

Experience in high-growth sectors such as AI/ML, digital health, financial services, defense tech, or life sciences

Track record of building client relationships and contributing to business development efforts

Familiarity with Delaware corporate law and alternative entity structures

Understanding of securities laws affecting private companies and venture capital funds

Work Environment & Logistics

Location flexibility: Primary offices in major technology and financial hubs with flexible work arrangements

Office presence: Regular in-office presence with flexible hybrid scheduling (specific requirements vary by location)

Annual expectations: Competitive billable hours target with credit for pro bono work, firm contributions, and professional development

Team structure: Work within collaborative practice groups with embedded mentorship and regular feedback

Professional development: Access to structured training programs, specialized academies, and continuous learning opportunities

Client exposure: Direct access to founders, CEOs, and venture capital partners from the start

Why is This a Great Opportunity

Why Join Our Practice

Our Corporate Venture Capital practice offers a unique combination of sophisticated legal work, direct client access, and quality of life. You'll work with the most innovative companies and investors in technology and life sciences while maintaining a sustainable career trajectory.

We're building a practice that values:

Excellence in client service balanced with attorney well-being

Collaboration and mentorship over internal competition

Diversity of experience across industries and transaction types

Clear advancement pathways with transparent criteria

Innovation in both legal practice and firm culture