Corporate/M&A Partner

Nelson Mullins is strategically expanding its Corporate & M&A practice in its Downtown Los Angeles office and seeks a partner-level attorney with a demonstrated portable book of middle-market transactional business.

This opportunity is designed for an entrepreneurial partner who is looking to build and grow a corporate platform within a nationally recognized AmLaw 100 firm. The Los Angeles office has historically been litigation-focused, and the firm is intentionally diversifying its practice mix to establish a stronger corporate presence in the Southern California market.

The ideal candidate will bring a portable book of business of at least $1.5 million, with a significant portion of working attorney collections, and have substantial experience leading middle-market M&A transactions.

Practice Group Overview

Nelson Mullins maintains a nationally respected Corporate & Business Transactions practice representing middle-market companies, private equity sponsors, growth-stage businesses, and strategic acquirers. The firm’s platform is particularly strong in:

- Middle-market M&A (buy-side and sell-side)

- Private equity transactions

- Founder-led and closely held business transactions

- Corporate governance and strategic advisory work

- Cross-office transactional collaboration (real estate, finance, restructuring)

The firm’s client base in the transactional space is predominantly middle-market rather than Fortune 100 public company securities work, allowing for rate flexibility, deep client relationships, and sophisticated deal execution without ultra-elite public company rate pressure.

Key Responsibilities

- Originate, manage, and execute M&A transactions and corporate matters.

- Lead buy-side and sell-side transactions for middle-market companies.

- Advise private equity sponsors and portfolio companies.

- Supervise and mentor associates and deal teams.

- Collaborate cross-functionally with litigation, regulatory, finance, and real estate partners across offices.

- Expand and deepen the firm’s corporate footprint in the Los Angeles market.

- Actively contribute to business development and cross-selling initiatives.

Required Qualifications

- J.D. from an accredited law school.

- Active membership in good standing with the California Bar (or ability to waive in).

- 15+ years of corporate transactional experience.

- Demonstrated portable book of business of at least $1.5 million.

- Meaningful working attorney collections (ideally ~$1M+ personally billed).

- Significant experience handling middle-market M&A transactions.

- Proven history of originating and maintaining client relationships.

- Ability to independently manage complex deal processes.

Preferred Qualifications

- Portable book exceeding $2 million.

- Experience representing private equity funds and sponsors.

- Ability to bring an associate or junior partner.

- Industry focus in healthcare, technology, life sciences, manufacturing, or consumer products.

- Cross-border transactional experience.

- Demonstrated growth trajectory in business development.