Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance) (Manager)
Apply NowCompany: Grant Thornton
Location: Chicago, IL 60629
Description:
Job Description
Risk, Regulatory and Legal Affairs (RRLA) Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance)
We strive to deliver the Grant Thornton Experience to our people as part of our day-to-day work. As a diverse organization with a growing list of esteemed clients, Grant Thornton offers you a broad range of opportunities to find the right fit.
The Grant Thornton Experience supports our people by:
Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance)
Grant Thornton is seeking a full-time attorney for the firm's in-house legal department, focused on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and corporate governance.
Responsibilities:
The Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance) will provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions. The attorney will work closely with internal legal and business teams, external advisors, and senior management to ensure successful execution of deals and effective risk management. This role requires a strong background in corporate law, M&A transactions, corporate governance, and a keen understanding of business operations.
In this role, the attorney will:
Qualifications:
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
About the Team
The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how:
Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we're taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here's what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HR@us.gt.com.
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
Risk, Regulatory and Legal Affairs (RRLA) Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance)
We strive to deliver the Grant Thornton Experience to our people as part of our day-to-day work. As a diverse organization with a growing list of esteemed clients, Grant Thornton offers you a broad range of opportunities to find the right fit.
The Grant Thornton Experience supports our people by:
- Offering meaningful and challenging work
- Recognizing contributions and paying competitive compensation
- Creating an environment of connection and appreciation
- Fostering a culture of pride enhanced by our reputation in the marketplace
Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance)
Grant Thornton is seeking a full-time attorney for the firm's in-house legal department, focused on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and corporate governance.
Responsibilities:
The Associate Counsel (M&A and Corporate Governance) will provide comprehensive legal support for all aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other strategic transactions. The attorney will work closely with internal legal and business teams, external advisors, and senior management to ensure successful execution of deals and effective risk management. This role requires a strong background in corporate law, M&A transactions, corporate governance, and a keen understanding of business operations.
In this role, the attorney will:
- Advise on all stages of M&A transactions, including structuring, due diligence, negotiations, drafting and reviewing transaction documents, and post-closing integration.
- Provide strategic legal advice to firm leadership on potential mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and other business development activities.
- Manage relationships with external counsel, consultants, and other third-party advisors in connection with M&A transactions.
- Coordinate various aspects of M&A transactions, including running signing and closing checklists and ensuring that timelines are met.
- Review and negotiate complex legal documents, including purchase agreements and ancillary transaction documents, confidentiality agreements, and financing-related agreements.
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including finance, tax, compliance, and operations, to ensure alignment on deal objectives and smooth transaction execution and integration.
- Conduct legal and risk assessments to identify potential issues and provide risk mitigation strategies.
- Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies during the M&A process.
- Stay current on changes in M&A and corporate law, industry trends, and best practices to advise the organization effectively.
- Support the Office of the Corporate Secretary on projects as assigned.
- Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and admission to a state bar (in good standing).
- 3-5 years of experience practicing in corporate law with a strong focus on mergers and acquisitions, either in a law firm or corporate legal department.
- Well-versed in the mechanics of running a transaction from inception to closing.
- Hands-on drafting and negotiating experience for complex M&A transactions.
- Experience advising on a variety of M&A transactions, including due diligence, deal structuring, negotiations, and post-closing integration.
- Understanding of corporate governance and familiarity with securities laws, antitrust regulations, and other relevant legal frameworks.
- Strong interpersonal skills, a high degree of maturity, and a proven willingness to accept significant responsibility and manage a challenging workload within a fast-paced environment.
- Contract drafting and negotiation skills.
- Ability to analyze complex legal and business issues and provide practical, solutions-oriented advice.
- Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities.
- Experience with international M&A transactions or cross-border deals preferred.
- Familiarity with private equity and other alternative investment structures preferred.
About Us
At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.
In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services - and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.
In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.
Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.
About the Team
The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how:
Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at www.gt.com/careers
When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we're taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at www.gt.com/careers
Here's what you can expect next:
If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at www.gt.com/careers.
Benefits:
We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit: https://www.grantthornton.com/careers/rewards-and-benefits
- Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
- Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm's 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.
Additional Details:
It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact HR@us.gt.com.
For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.