April 22, 2026

Bay Area - Lateral Attorney

CorporateM&APrivate Equity

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
San Francisco, Silicon Valley

Kirkland & Ellis LLPSan Francisco, Silicon Valley

Practice area

Corporate · M&A · Private Equity

PQE

5+ years

Locations

San Francisco, California | Silicon Valley, California

Employment type

Full-time

Overview

This is a Partner position at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, based in San Francisco, CA.
The role focuses on the M&A/Private Equity practice group, representing and counseling corporate and private equity clients in complex corporate transactions.
Responsibilities include leading deal execution, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating key transaction documents such as stock and asset purchase agreements, merger agreements, Letters of Intent (LOIs), term sheets, and disclosure schedules.
You will coordinate and conduct comprehensive due diligence reviews (including target company contracts, corporate documents, litigation, IP, and compliance issues), prepare diligence reports, and identify legal risks.
The role involves advising clients on deal structures, risk allocation, negotiation strategies, and managing deal closings.
You will advise on U.S. and international M&A transactions, with a specific focus on the energy, infrastructure, and heavy industries sectors.
Communication with private equity sponsors, strategic buyers, portfolio companies, and management teams is a key aspect of the role.
You will coordinate with internal teams (including tax, antitrust, finance, and employment) across multiple jurisdictions.
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, or a foreign equivalent, is required.
Active admission to the California state bar is mandatory.
Candidates must have five years of experience as an Associate or similar role within a law firm, specifically focusing on M&A transactions.
The hiring salary for this position is $445,000.

Apply on firm's website →

Trusted recruiters

Work with a recruiter who has a real relationship with the hiring team and comes recommended by your peers.

Top recruiter for this opening
Kate Reder Sheikh
Legal Recruiter
Major, Lindsey & Africa
Why talk to Kate Reder Sheikh?
Ryan Kidman joined Kirkland & Ellis LLP's San Francisco office in the Corporate group.
I cannot recommend Kate highly enough. She knows the Bay Area market intimately and is able to leverage that knowledge to give actionable, tailored advice (down to the specific interviewer). Kate is a true counselor and advisor and it was a privilege to work with her.
Ryan Kidman
Kirkland & Ellis LLP • San Francisco

Last updated: April 23, 2026

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