PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

We are an international, full-service law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers across 22 offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, advising national and international clients on complex commercial matters wherever they do business.

Recognised as one of Europe's most innovative commercial law firms, Addleshaw Goddard is also one of the fastest-growing firms in Germany.

We are looking for an Associate to join our growing Corporate / M&A team in Munich. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside experienced corporate lawyers on high-value domestic and cross-border transactions for an exceptional international client base.

We foster a collaborative, high-performing environment where ambitious lawyers are empowered to develop their careers, take on meaningful responsibility and deliver outstanding results for our clients.

THE TEAM 

The German Corporate practice advises domestic and international clients on a broad range of complex corporate transactions and matters. The team combines deep technical expertise with a commercial, solutions-focused approach, supporting clients throughout the corporate lifecycle.

Working closely with colleagues across the firm's international network and other practice areas, including Finance, Tax, Employment, Competition and Restructuring, the team advises on public and private M&A, private equity and venture capital investments, joint ventures, carve-outs, reorganisations and general corporate law. The team is recognised for building strong client relationships, delivering pragmatic legal advice and working collaboratively on complex, cross-border matters.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS ROLE 

You will join a growing Corporate / M&A team advising clients on a broad range of domestic and cross-border transactions. Working alongside experienced partners and associates, you will advise corporates, private equity and venture capital investors, founders and management teams on acquisitions, disposals, investments, joint ventures, carve-outs and reorganisations, collaborating with colleagues across our international network on complex, high-value matters.

• Take ownership of drafting, reviewing and negotiating transaction documents, including share and asset purchase agreements, investment agreements, shareholders' agreements and corporate approvals, producing consistently high-quality work.
• Manage your own due diligence and transaction workstreams effectively, maintaining momentum and coordinating signing and closing processes with clients, opposing counsel and multidisciplinary teams.
• Understand the scope, budget, timetable and commercial objectives of each matter, using resources efficiently and keeping the wider team informed of progress.
• Identify legal, commercial and delivery risks at an early stage, exercise sound judgement and communicate issues and proposed solutions clearly to clients and colleagues.
• Develop strong knowledge of our clients, their businesses and relevant sectors, delivering practical and commercially focused advice.
• Take ownership of your continued technical, commercial and professional development, seeking and acting on coaching, mentoring and constructive feedback.
• Work collaboratively across the Corporate team, the firm's international network and other practice areas, sharing knowledge and supporting the development of more junior colleagues.
• Contribute actively to pitches, client initiatives, publications, seminars and other business development activities.
• Begin building your external profile and professional network by developing market relationships and representing the firm at relevant events.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability and commercial awareness, contributing to the team's continued success and our commitment to exceptional client service.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• You will be in your second post-qualification year or beyond, with experience gained within a leading international or comparable national law firm and qualification to practise in Germany.
• Strong experience advising on corporate transactions, including domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity or venture capital investments, joint ventures, carve-outs and reorganisations.
• Experience acting for corporates, investors, founders, management teams and other transaction participants.
• A strong technical understanding of German corporate law, with excellent drafting, negotiation and transaction management skills.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to provide pragmatic, business-focused legal advice.
• The ability to build trusted relationships and work confidently with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English, together with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative, detail-oriented approach and the ability to work effectively within international and multidisciplinary teams.
• A proactive mindset and enthusiasm for contributing to business development, client initiatives and knowledge-sharing activities.

OUR FIRM

Our story of international growth is built on a performance mindset, innovation and true collaboration. We believe results follow relationships, so we work closely with each other, and develop deep client connections to deliver. 

Our award-winning culture balances high standards and hard work with genuine care – looking out for each other, supporting professional development, in a down to earth and inclusive environment. We do the right things in the right ways, combining commercial excellence and innovative thinking with teamwork. Together, we deliver excellence, achieve stand out solutions, and enable career-defining opportunities.