M&A/Private Equity Partner
hybrid•Chicago•$600k - $1000k
About this role
Katten is seeking an experienced M&A / Private Equity Partner to join its combined M&A and Private Equity group, a core strategic practice handling billions of dollars in middle-market transactions annually. The group focuses exclusively on private, sponsor-driven M&A and advises private equity funds, portfolio companies, family offices, independent sponsors, and strategic buyers throughout the full investment lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead private, middle-market M&A and private equity transactions, including LBOs, platform and add-on acquisitions, auctions, minority investments, recapitalizations, and divestitures
• Serve as lead relationship partner or senior deal counsel to private equity sponsors and portfolio companies
• Deliver commercial, business-focused advice that goes beyond legal analysis • Originate and grow repeat, sponsor-driven client relationships
• Build scalable practices that support multi-lawyer deal teams
• Leverage Katten’s embedded specialist model (tax, employment, finance, antitrust, IP) to drive efficient execution
• Contribute to practice growth in priority sectors (e.g., health care, sports, business services, financial services, manufacturing)
• Mentor associates and junior partners and participate in firm leadership initiatives
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Significant experience in private, middle-market M&A and private equity
• Strong understanding of sponsor-driven deal dynamics and competitive auction processes
• Portable, scalable book of business typically $4–5M+ (flexibility to ~$3M for strategic fits)
• Practices aligned with the middle market and capable of supporting leverage • Commercial, pragmatic mindset with a collaborative working style
• Stable career history; frequent short-term lateral moves are viewed negatively
What Differentiates Katten
• Embedded specialists who work exclusively on transactions, delivering superior availability and market insight
• Market-intelligence-driven business development, including proprietary data on compensation, equity structures, and financing terms
• Deep experience across market cycles, with early tax and finance integration • Best-in-class lateral integration, including senior leadership involvement and long-term business development support
About Katten
Katten is a full-service law firm with nearly 650 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. We strive to be a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services nationally and globally. While Katten offers an extensive range of legal services across numerous industries, our core areas of practice include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, private credit, intellectual property and trusts and estates. Among our clients are a wide range of public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. The firm has a uniquely flexible and entrepreneurial culture that fosters partnerships with our clients. Knowing the law is not enough. We understand our clients’ business objectives and address their legal needs in a manner that is consistent with the “big picture.” We have earned a reputation for being trusted business advisors, and we demonstrate our value every day in the successful results we achieve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does Katten pay for a M&A/Private Equity Partner?
Katten offers a competitive compensation package for the M&A/Private Equity Partner role. The salary range is USD 600k - 1000k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a M&A/Private Equity Partner do at Katten?
The M&A/Private Equity Partner role at Katten involves Katten is seeking an experienced M&A / Private Equity Partner to join its combined M&A and Private Equity group, a core strategic practice handling billions of dollars in middle-market transac...
Is the M&A/Private Equity Partner position at Katten remote?
The M&A/Private Equity Partner position at Katten offers a hybrid work arrangement, with office presence required in Chicago, United States. This combines the flexibility of remote work with in-person collaboration.
How do I apply for the M&A/Private Equity Partner position at Katten?
You can apply for the M&A/Private Equity Partner position at Kattendirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.