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Acquisition Associate Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL (NOW HIRING)

5 Legal

M&A Associate

Chicago, IL

$138K - $175K/yr

Am Law top 50 firm which is consistently ranked among the leading law firms is looking for an associate to join their Mergers and Acquisitions practice. The ideal candidate must have 1-6 years of ...

5 Legal

Mergers & Acquisitions Associate

Chicago, IL

$138K - $175K/yr

Top 200 AmLaw firm seeks an associate to join their M&A Practice Group in any of their New York, Chicago, Houston, or Palo Alto office. The ideal candidate must have 4+ years of experience in public ...

New Leaf Energy, Inc.

M&A Associate

Chicago, IL

$91K - $105K/yr

New Leaf Energy is seeking a M&A Associate to join our team! This individual will participate in project development and financing of solar, wind, and energy storage projects, including detailed ...

Waterton

AVP, Acquisitions

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $145K/yr

... for our talented associates. We value performance that delivers experiences that exceed ... Underwrite real estate acquisition deals. * Perform detailed market/submarket surveys. * Analyze ...

New Leaf Energy, Inc.

M&A Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

New Leaf Energy is seeking a M&A Associate to join our team! This individual will participate in project development and financing of solar, wind, and energy storage projects, including detailed ...

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All JobsAcquisition Associate JobsAcquisition Associate Jobs in Chicago Ridge, IL

Acquisition Associate information

See Chicago Ridge, IL salary details

$24K

$80.5K

$161.7K

How much do acquisition associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition associate in Chicago Ridge, IL is $80,536.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Acquisition Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acquisition Associate, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in finance, business, or real estate, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with financial modeling tools, CRM systems, and due diligence software is commonly expected. Exceptional communication, negotiation abilities, and teamwork are vital soft skills for building relationships and closing deals. These competencies ensure accurate evaluations, effective deal execution, and successful collaboration in fast-paced acquisition environments.

What is the difference between Acquisition Associate vs Real Estate Analyst?

AspectAcquisition AssociateReal Estate Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, real estate or finance certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, finance, economics, or real estate background
Work EnvironmentReal estate firms, investment companies, private equityReal estate firms, investment banks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in real estate investment and developmentUsed in real estate investment analysis and market research
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The Acquisition Associate and Real Estate Analyst roles share similarities in educational background and work environment, often working within real estate investment firms. Acquisition Associates focus on identifying and acquiring properties, while Real Estate Analysts primarily conduct market research and financial analysis. Both roles require strong analytical skills and industry knowledge, but Acquisition Associates are more involved in the transaction process, whereas Analysts support decision-making through data analysis.

What are some common challenges Acquisition Associates face when evaluating potential investment opportunities?

Acquisition Associates often encounter challenges such as limited access to comprehensive financial data, tight deal timelines, and the need to balance multiple projects simultaneously. They must quickly analyze market trends and perform due diligence while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness in their assessments. Additionally, collaborating with legal, finance, and operations teams to address complex deal structures can require strong communication and organizational skills. Overcoming these challenges is key to successfully identifying and recommending high-value acquisition targets.

What does an Acquisition Associate do?

An Acquisition Associate is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and assisting in the purchase of assets, companies, or properties for their organization. Their duties often include conducting market research, performing financial analysis, creating reports, and supporting negotiations during the acquisition process. They work closely with senior management and other teams to ensure that acquisitions align with the company's strategic goals. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
What cities near Chicago Ridge, IL are hiring for Acquisition Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago Ridge, IL with the most Acquisition Associate job openings:
Acquisition Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Associate job openings in Chicago Ridge, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,536 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Mid-Level Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Chicago, IL

$310K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Direct Counsel is seeking a Mid-Level Mergers & Acquisitions Associate Attorney to join a highly respected Am Law firm.

Location: Chicago, IL

Practice Area: Corporate – Mergers & Acquisitions / Private Equity

Overview:
This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level associate to join a leading corporate practice within a top-tier, highly collaborative firm. The role offers significant exposure to complex, high-value transactions and direct client engagement within a sophisticated M&A and private equity platform.

Position Overview:
The ideal candidate will have approximately 4–6 years of relevant experience advising financial sponsors and strategic buyers and sellers on a broad range of M&A and private equity transactions. This includes hands-on responsibility for drafting and negotiating key transactional documents and managing deal execution from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Represent private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and strategic buyers/sellers in complex M&A transactions
  • Draft, review, and negotiate acquisition and disposition agreements and related transactional documents
  • Manage and support deal execution across all stages of the transaction lifecycle
  • Collaborate closely with partners, senior associates, and clients on active matters
  • Conduct due diligence and coordinate cross-functional deal teams

Qualifications:

  • 4–6 years of M&A and private equity transactional experience from a leading law firm
  • Significant experience representing financial sponsors and strategic counterparties
  • Strong drafting, negotiation, and deal management skills
  • Active membership in good standing with the Illinois Bar (required)
  • Strong academic credentials and prior large law firm experience preferred

Compensation:
Estimated salary range: $310,000 – $390,000, commensurate with experience

This is a strong opportunity to join a premier corporate group handling sophisticated transactional work with a high level of responsibility and client exposure.