Equity Compensation Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

About This Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Corporate Venture Capital Associate to join our expanding practice representing emerging technology and life sciences companies alongside the institutional investors who fund them. This role offers the unique opportunity to work directly with high-growth ventures at every stage of their lifecycle, from early formation through late-stage transactions.
Our practice sits at the intersection of innovation and capital, providing unparalleled exposure to the companies and investors shaping the future of technology and life sciences. You'll counsel founders, CEOs, and boards on their most critical transactions and strategic decisions while advising venture capital firms on their investment strategies.
What Makes This Role Different
Sustainable work culture: Competitive billable hours expectations with credit for firm contributions and pro bono work
Flexible work environment: Hybrid schedule with regular in-office collaboration
Direct client responsibility: Lead transactions independently with mentorship from experienced attorneys
Clear advancement pathway: Structured development programs focused on career progression
Diverse practice exposure: Work across multiple high-growth sectors including artificial intelligence, digital health, defense technology, financial services, and life sciences
Comprehensive experience: Represent both emerging companies and their venture capital investors, gaining complete market perspective
Core Responsibilities
Transaction Leadership
Independently manage venture capital financings, including early-stage instruments, seed rounds, and multi-stage preferred stock financings
Lead mergers and acquisitions transactions for growth companies and venture-backed exits
Serve as primary counsel to founders, CEOs, management teams, and boards of directors
Navigate sophisticated deal structures from initial negotiation through closing and post-closing matters
Client Counseling
Advise early-stage companies from inception through exit on corporate governance, equity compensation, and strategic matters
Guide venture capital firms and institutional investors on investment strategies, portfolio company governance, and fund operations
Draft and negotiate early-stage financing instruments, term sheets, preferred stock documents, investor agreements, and related transaction materials
Counsel on corporate governance best practices, board composition, and fiduciary duties
Strategic Advisory
Provide ongoing corporate counsel to portfolio companies on matters including equity compensation plans, capitalization management, and co-investor relationships
Advise on corporate structure optimization, including entity selection, reorganizations, and jurisdictional matters
Support clients on secondary transactions, liquidity events, and tender offers
Navigate regulatory and compliance matters affecting venture-backed companies
Relationship Development
Build and maintain relationships within the private technology and life sciences venture capital ecosystems
Collaborate with colleagues across practice areas to deliver comprehensive legal solutions
Represent clients across diverse industries including AI, digital health, defense tech, gaming, and financial services
Participate in industry conferences and venture capital community events
Practice Development
Contribute to thought leadership through client communications and presentations
Mentor associates and contribute to team knowledge-sharing initiatives
Stay current on market trends, emerging legal issues, and venture capital financing structures
Support business development initiatives and client relationship management
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Experience & Background
5-9 years of corporate law experience at a recognized national or international law firm
Substantial experience in venture capital transactions and/or mergers and acquisitions
Demonstrated ability to independently manage sophisticated transactions from inception to completion
Track record of directly counseling founders, management teams, and institutional investors
For certain locations: Experience leading corporate transactions at an established law firm with interest in venture capital work
Education
Juris Doctor from a nationally recognized law school
Strong academic credentials with demonstrated excellence
State bar admission in good standing (or ability to obtain admission)
Technical Skills
Deep familiarity with venture capital financing structures, including convertible instruments and preferred equity financings
Expertise in corporate governance matters for private companies, including board structure, voting arrangements, and protective provisions
Proficiency in drafting and negotiating sophisticated venture capital transaction documents
Understanding of capitalization management, equity compensation structures, and ownership analysis
Knowledge of venture capital fund structures and investor dynamics (preferred)
Professional Attributes
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain sophisticated legal concepts to business audiences
Strong business judgment and ability to provide practical, commercially-focused advice
Proven ability to manage multiple high-priority matters simultaneously while maintaining precision
Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills and team orientation
Entrepreneurial approach to client service and creative problem-solving
Comfort navigating ambiguity and providing counsel in dynamic transaction environments
Preferred Experience
Background representing both emerging growth companies and venture capital investors
Exposure to complex venture capital transactions or multi-jurisdictional clients
Experience in high-growth sectors such as AI/ML, digital health, financial services, defense tech, or life sciences
Track record of building client relationships and contributing to business development efforts
Familiarity with Delaware corporate law and alternative entity structures
Understanding of securities laws affecting private companies and venture capital funds
Work Environment & Logistics
Location flexibility: Primary offices in major technology and financial hubs with flexible work arrangements
Office presence: Regular in-office presence with flexible hybrid scheduling (specific requirements vary by location)
Annual expectations: Competitive billable hours target with credit for pro bono work, firm contributions, and professional development
Team structure: Work within collaborative practice groups with embedded mentorship and regular feedback
Professional development: Access to structured training programs, specialized academies, and continuous learning opportunities
Client exposure: Direct access to founders, CEOs, and venture capital partners from the start
Why is This a Great Opportunity
Why Join Our Practice
Our Corporate Venture Capital practice offers a unique combination of sophisticated legal work, direct client access, and quality of life. You'll work with the most innovative companies and investors in technology and life sciences while maintaining a sustainable career trajectory.
We're building a practice that values:
Excellence in client service balanced with attorney well-being
Collaboration and mentorship over internal competition
Diversity of experience across industries and transaction types
Clear advancement pathways with transparent criteria
Innovation in both legal practice and firm culture