Location: Major US Market (New York, San Francisco, DC) or London (US Pay Scale) Salary: Cravath Scale ($225,000 – $435,000+ Base depending on class year) Practice Area: Technology Transactions / IP Licensing / Commercial Experience Level: Mid-Level Associate (3–6 Years PQE)
For legal professionals operating at the intersection of innovation and complex deal-making, the current market offers no higher platform than this. An Elite US Law Firm—consistently ranked in the AmLaw Top 10 and recognized globally for its Technology and M&A practices—is seeking a high-caliber Tech Transactions Associate to join its dynamic team.
This is not a standard commercial contracts role. It is a strategic position within a “deal team” environment, handling the intellectual property and commercial architecture of billion-dollar mergers, high-stakes cross-border licensing, and joint ventures for the world’s leading tech giants.
With a compensation package strictly adhering to the Cravath Scale (starting at $225,000 for first-years and scaling rapidly to $435,000+ for senior associates, excluding substantial year-end bonuses), this position offers top-of-market financial rewards. It is designed for an attorney who refuses to choose between high-level M&A support and standalone commercial counseling, offering a sophisticated blend of both.
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Background & Job Description
The firm’s Technology Transactions Group (TTG) is a powerhouse in the legal industry, acting as the nerve center for deals involving software, semiconductors, AI, fintech, and life sciences. Unlike generalist corporate roles, this group is specialized. They do not just “paper the deal”; they structure the intangible assets that drive the deal’s value.
As a Tech Transactions Associate, you will operate in a dual capacity. Approximately 50% of your workflow will involve acting as a subject-matter expert on large-scale M&A and Private Equity transactions, conducting rigorous IP due diligence and negotiating the IP-related reps, warranties, and transition service agreements (TSAs).
The other 50% is standalone commercial advisory. You will act as outside counsel to high-growth tech companies, drafting and negotiating their most critical revenue-generating agreements—from SaaS licensing and cloud computing arrangements to strategic alliances and R&D collaborations. This role fits into the broader organizational goal of maintaining the firm’s dominance in the technology sector by ensuring clients’ IP assets are commercially viable and legally bulletproof.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will assume significant responsibility early on, working directly with partners and clients on the following:
- M&A and Investment Support:
- Lead the IP and commercial diligence process for public and private mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs.
- Draft and negotiate IP-specific transaction documents, including transition services agreements (TSA), IP assignment deeds, and complex license-backs.
- Assess and advise on risks related to open-source software (OSS) compliance and proprietary code ownership in target companies.
- Standalone Commercial Transactions:
- Structure and negotiate complex technology agreements: SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, software licensing, and hardware supply agreements.
- Manage strategic partnership deals, including joint development agreements (JDAs) and reseller/distribution arrangements.
- Advise on data privacy and security terms (GDPR/CCPA) within commercial contracts, bridging the gap between regulatory compliance and commercial reality.
- Client Counseling:
- Act as the primary point of contact for portfolio companies regarding day-to-day legal commercial needs.
- Translate complex IP concepts into “business-friendly” advice for non-legal stakeholders (CEOs, CTOs, and Product Managers).
Tech Transactions Associate 2026: Elite US Firm | Cravath Scale ($225k-$435k+)
Qualifications
This is a highly selective role. The firm maintains strict academic and professional standards to ensure the quality of its advice.
Education & Certification
- Juris Doctor (JD): Must hold a JD from an ABA-accredited law school (T14 law school preferred) with a strong academic record (Top 25% or Law Review).
- Bar Admission: Active admission to the Bar in the relevant jurisdiction (New York, California, or DC) is mandatory.
- Undergraduate Degree: A background in STEM (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Life Sciences) is a distinct asset but not strictly required if the candidate has substantial relevant transaction experience.
Experience
- 3–6 Years Experience: Candidates should be Class of 2020 to 2023. Experience must be from a top-tier national law firm (AmLaw 50) or a highly regarded boutique with a dedicated Tech Transactions practice.
- Deal Sheet: A demonstrable track record of drafting (not just reviewing) primary commercial agreements and running IP diligence for M&A.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with current tech trends, including Generative AI licensing, blockchain, and cloud infrastructure.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Financial Freedom on the Cravath Scale This firm does not play games with compensation. You will be paid the top-of-market “Cravath Scale” salary. For a mid-level associate (Class of 2021/2022), this means a base salary in the range of $260,000 to $310,000, plus a year-end bonus typically ranging from $75,000 to $115,000. This level of compensation provides immediate financial security and the ability to aggressively pay down loans or build wealth.
2. The Ultimate “Exit Option” Accelerator While many associates stay to become partners, this role is widely recognized as the best training ground for high-level in-house roles. Alumni of this group frequently exit to become General Counsel or Head of Commercial Legal at major tech firms (Google, Meta, OpenAI) or high-growth startups. You are essentially being paid to earn the credentials that every tech company covets.
3. “re-tooling” for the AI Era This practice group is at the forefront of AI regulation and licensing. By joining now, you will gain rare experience in structuring deals for Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)—a skill set that is currently in short supply and high demand across the legal market.
4. Autonomy Without Isolation Unlike general M&A associates who often get buried in signature pages, Tech Transactions associates are “specialists.” You are valued for your specific knowledge. This often leads to better hours (slightly more predictable than general corporate) and more direct client respect earlier in your career.
Application Tips & Insights
1. The “Deal Sheet” is King Do not just submit a generic resume. Attach a representative Deal Sheet (redacted for confidentiality).
- Bad: “Drafted commercial agreements.”
- Good: “Lead associate negotiating a $50M SaaS Master Services Agreement for a Fortune 500 fintech client against a Tier 1 vendor.”
- Break your deal sheet into “M&A Support” and “Standalone Commercial Work” to show your versatility.
2. Highlight “Open Source” Proficiency Partners love associates who understand Open Source Software (OSS) risks (e.g., Copyleft implications). If you have experience running Black Duck audits or advising on OSS remediation, highlight this prominently. It’s a tedious task that partners are eager to delegate.
3. Demonstrate Business Acumen Big Law firms are tired of “academic” lawyers who block deals. In your cover letter, emphasize your ability to find commercial solutions to legal problems. Use phrases like “risk-adjusted advice” and “market-standard terms.”
4. Tailor for the “Tech” Angle If you have a STEM degree, make sure it’s visible. If not, emphasize your industry focus. Mention specific sectors you have worked in (e.g., AdTech, HealthTech, EdTech) to show you understand the underlying business models.
Additional Information
- Compensation:
- Base Salary: $225,000 – $435,000 (standard lockstep based on class year).
- Bonus: Market-leading year-end bonuses (typically $20k – $115k+).
- Benefits:
- 401(k) with firm matching.
- Comprehensive PPO/HMO health, dental, and vision.
- Bar association dues and CLE expenses covered.
- Gym/Wellness reimbursement ($1,000+ annually).
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid model (typically 3 or 4 days in the office, with flexibility).
- Relocation: Full relocation package provided for lateral hires moving markets.
- Billable Requirement: Typically 1,950 – 2,000 hours for full bonus eligibility.
How to Apply
- Prepare Documents: Assemble your Resume (PDF), Law School Transcript, and a redacted Deal Sheet.
- Portal Access: Visit the firm’s careers page (or the specific lateral link provided by your recruiter).
- Submit: Upload documents. Ensure your Deal Sheet is separate from your Resume for clarity.
- Recruiter Route: Highly Recommended. For roles at this level, working with a specialized legal recruiter can ensure your resume bypasses the HR pile and lands directly on the Hiring Partner’s desk.
Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Lateral hiring is currently active for Q1/Q2 2026 starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a STEM degree to apply? A: No. While a technical background is helpful for patent prosecution, it is not required for Tech Transactions. What matters is your ability to understand the commercial flow of technology—how it is licensed, sold, and integrated—rather than the underlying code or engineering.
Q: Is this a “litigation” role? A: No. This is a transactional role. You will be drafting contracts and negotiating deals. You will not be going to court. If you are a litigator looking to pivot, you will likely need to retrain or step back in class year.
Q: Does “Cravath Scale” apply to London offices? A: For Elite US Firms in London, yes. Top US firms in London often pay their associates on the US scale (converted to GBP), which significantly outpaces the “Magic Circle” pay rates. However, you should confirm if the role is “US Rate” or “Mid-Atlantic Rate” during the screening.
Q: What are the hours like compared to general M&A? A: Generally, Tech Transactions offers a slightly better lifestyle than pure M&A. While you still have deal spikes (closings), you also have standalone commercial work which tends to happen during business hours. Expect a mix of intense deal flow and steady advisory work.
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