Entry Level Corporate Lawyer Jobs in M&A, Securities & Governance

Entry level corporate lawyer jobs are ideal for recent JD graduates, junior associates, and new attorneys seeking training in corporate transactions, M&A, securities, and governance. These roles typically sit in law firms, in-house legal departments, and fast-growing startups, supporting contract drafting, due diligence, venture financing, corporate housekeeping, and regulatory compliance. On LegalExperts.ai, you can explore junior corporate counsel and associate positions aligned with your academic background, bar status, and interest in business law.

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Job Responsibilities

Draft, review, and revise basic corporate and commercial agreements, including NDAs, service agreements, and licensing contracts.
Assist with M&A transactions, venture financings, and joint ventures by preparing ancillary documents, checklists, and closing binders.
Conduct legal research on corporate, securities, and regulatory issues and summarize findings for supervising attorneys and clients.
Support entity formations, qualifications to do business, and corporate governance, including minutes, consents, bylaws, and shareholder agreements.
Participate in due diligence by reviewing corporate records, contracts, cap tables, and compliance materials, and preparing diligence reports.
Coordinate transaction timelines, manage data rooms, track signatures, and assist with filings for corporate and securities law compliance.
Communicate with internal stakeholders or clients to collect information, clarify document inputs, and implement revisions under supervision.

Minimum Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, with coursework or clinics in corporate, securities, or business law preferred.
Admission to at least one state bar (or eligibility and intent to sit for the bar exam within a defined timeframe).
0–2 years of experience in a law firm, corporate legal department, or business-focused legal internship or externship.
Strong legal research and writing skills, including familiarity with primary and secondary corporate law sources.
Solid understanding of core corporate law concepts such as entity structures, fiduciary duties, board governance, and basic securities regulations.
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and document versions in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with standard productivity and document tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Workspace) and comfort learning new legal technology platforms.

Preferred Skills

Prior experience as a summer associate, law clerk, or intern in a corporate, M&A, private equity, or startup practice group.
Exposure to securities offerings, private placements, venture capital financings, or startup equity structures.
Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools, virtual data rooms, and electronic signature platforms.
Industry exposure in sectors like SaaS, fintech, healthcare, or life sciences, with interest in technology and innovation-focused clients.
Strong business acumen, client-service mindset, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as finance, HR, and operations.

Frequently Ask Questions

Find answers to common questions about finding legal and investigative job opportunities through Legal Experts AI

What does an entry level corporate lawyer do?

An entry level corporate lawyer supports senior attorneys with contract drafting, corporate governance, and business transactions. They help prepare NDAs, service agreements, and corporate resolutions, conduct legal research, and assist in due diligence for mergers and acquisitions or financings. Much of their work focuses on learning firm procedures, building drafting skills, and gaining exposure to clients and deal processes.

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