Practice Support Lawyer, M&A

Overview

An established legal advisory firm specializing in technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide is seeking an experienced M&A attorney for a full-time Practice Support Lawyer (PSL) role within its mergers and acquisitions practice group. This position focuses on enhancing the quality, consistency, and efficiency of M&A practice across the firm and is non-billable with no client representation responsibilities.

The role is available on a hybrid or fully remote basis.

Responsibilities

Knowledge Management & Resources

• Draft, maintain, and promote standard form agreements and key documents for the M&A practice.
• Curate and continuously improve a library of high-quality precedents and samples, incorporating attorney feedback.
• Draft client alerts and external publications on significant M&A legal and market developments.

Thought Leadership & Innovation

• Provide internal and external thought leadership on M&A practice developments, market trends, and legal landscape changes.
• Collaborate with the Chief Innovation Officer to identify and implement process improvements, new technologies, and AI tools enhancing M&A practice.
• Stay current on developments across the legal industry and other practice areas within the firm.

AI Strategy & Implementation

• Act as the primary point of contact and internal champion for AI strategy within the M&A group.
• Work closely with firm leadership, the Innovation team, and external vendors to evaluate and deploy AI tools tailored to M&A workflows.
• Develop and maintain a group-wide AI roadmap identifying high-value use cases across the deal lifecycle, including due diligence, contract review, drafting assistance, and deal benchmarking.
• Lead pilot programs and structured rollouts of AI tools, gather attorney feedback, measure impact, and refine adoption strategies.
• Create practical guidance, playbooks, and training materials to help attorneys integrate AI tools effectively and responsibly.
• Monitor the evolving legal AI technology landscape and advise leadership on emerging tools, competitive developments, and best practices.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with AI use, including confidentiality, accuracy, and professional responsibility concerns.
• Collaborate with the Professional Development team to embed AI literacy into training programs and onboarding.

Training & Professional Development

• Partner with the Professional Development team to design, build, and maintain career development frameworks and training programs for M&A attorneys.

Business Development & Events

• Work with Marketing and Business Development teams to keep external M&A resources current and compelling.
• Organize and support external seminars, webinars, and client-facing events on M&A topics.
• Coordinate practice group meetings and represent the firm at major M&A conferences, reporting key takeaways.
• Manage participation in the American Bar Association and other relevant professional organizations.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required.
• Minimum of five years of M&A-focused corporate practice experience at a law firm or comparable in-house environment.
• Strong substantive knowledge of M&A transactions, deal structures, and documentation.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with attorneys and business professionals at all levels.
• Interest in legal innovation, knowledge management, or practice development is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation varies by location and candidate qualifications, including experience, education, certifications, and work location.

• Palo Alto, New York, San Francisco: $208,250 – $281,750 per year.
• Austin, Boston, Boulder, Century City, Delaware, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and other locations: $187,850 – $254,150 per year.

The position may include a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. A highly competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Location

Primary location is Palo Alto, with other locations possible. The role supports hybrid or fully remote work arrangements.