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Private Equity Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

5 Legal

Corporate Associate

Tysons Corner, VA

Named as one of the world's leading law firms by Chambers Global and top 100 AmLaw firm is seeking an associate to join their M&A and Private Equity Practice Group. Ideal candidates must have 6-8 ...

5 Legal

Corporate M&A Associate

Washington, DC

A leading international law firm seeks associates to join its Corporate Advisory Practice Area in ... Qualified applicants must have 3-5 years of M&A and Private Equity experience with strong written ...

5 Legal

Corporate Associate

Washington, DC

Named as one of the world's leading law firms by Chambers Global and top 100 AmLaw firm is seeking an associate to join their M&A and Private Equity Practice Group. Ideal candidates must have 6-8 ...

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All JobsPrivate Equity Associate JobsPrivate Equity Associate Jobs in Reston, VA

Private Equity Associate information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.9K

$104.2K

$148.8K

How much do private equity associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for private equity associate in Reston, VA is $104,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,800.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do associates in PE make?

Private Equity associates typically earn between $75,000 and $150,000 in base salary, with total compensation often exceeding $200,000 when including bonuses and carried interest. Compensation varies based on firm size, location, experience, and performance, with many associates receiving annual bonuses that significantly increase total earnings.

What is the difference between Private Equity Associate vs Investment Banking Analyst?

AspectPrivate Equity AssociateInvestment Banking Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, MBA often preferred, finance or related fieldBachelor's degree, finance or related field, MBA less common
Work EnvironmentLong-term portfolio management, deal execution, due diligenceHigh-pressure deal execution, financial modeling, client presentations
Employer & Industry UsagePrivate equity firms, buyout fundsInvestment banks, M&A advisory

Private Equity Associates focus on managing investments, performing due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies, often working on deals from start to finish. Investment Banking Analysts primarily conduct financial analysis, prepare pitch books, and support deal origination. While both roles require strong financial skills and similar educational backgrounds, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly, reflecting their distinct roles in the investment process.

What is the 80/20 rule in private equity?

In private equity, the 80/20 rule often refers to the Pareto principle, where a small percentage of investments or portfolio companies generate the majority of returns. Private equity associates analyze these high-performing assets to optimize investment strategies and value creation efforts.

What does a Private Equity Associate do?

A Private Equity Associate is responsible for supporting the investment process at a private equity firm, which includes sourcing potential deals, conducting due diligence, building financial models, and preparing investment memos. They work closely with senior team members to evaluate acquisition opportunities and help manage portfolio companies after investments are made. Associates also play a key role in analyzing market trends and industry data to inform investment decisions. The role requires strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

What are some common challenges faced by Private Equity Associates during the deal process?

Private Equity Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, coordinating due diligence across multiple stakeholders, and analyzing large amounts of complex financial data. Balancing multiple deals at different stages can require strong time management and organizational skills. Additionally, Associates must communicate effectively with internal teams, portfolio company management, and external advisors to ensure a smooth transaction process. Overcoming these challenges helps Associates develop a broad skill set and prepares them for advancement within the industry.

What do associates do in private equity?

Private equity associates support investment teams by conducting financial analysis, due diligence, and market research to evaluate potential investments. They assist in deal execution, prepare investment memos, and monitor portfolio companies, often using financial modeling tools and working long hours in a fast-paced environment.

What is the salary of associate in private equity firm?

A private equity associate's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, with higher compensation often including bonuses and carried interest. Salaries can vary based on firm size, location, experience, and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Private Equity Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Private Equity Associate, you need strong financial modeling, analytical skills, and a background in finance, investment banking, or consulting, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, financial databases like Bloomberg, and sometimes CFA or MBA credentials are highly valued. Exceptional communication, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities are crucial soft skills for managing deals and relationships. These skills ensure effective due diligence, sound investment decisions, and successful collaboration in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

What Does a Private Equity Associate Do?

A private equity associate works in investment banking to locate potential investors, support acquired investments, and perform due diligence with existing customers. Your responsibilities in this career may involve helping the firm raise their price-earnings (PE) ratio and meet financial performance objectives, working with investors to close a deal, overseeing a mutual fund or other investment product, or attending to analyst duties. Other duties include answering potential investor’s questions, networking with potential investors and other private equity associates, performing market research to find new opportunities for investing, and participating in industry conferences, trade events, and other related events.

More about Private Equity Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Private Equity jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Private Equity jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Private Equity Associate jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Private Equity Associate jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Private Equity Associate jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Private Equity Associate job openings:
Private Equity Associate jobs near you

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney

Direct Counsel

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$260K - $390K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney

Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; New York, NY; Palo Alto, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Raleigh, NC; Reston, VA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Short Hills, NJ; Washington, DC; Wilmington, DE

Direct Counsel is seeking an Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Associate Attorney to join a leading Am Law firm’s nationally recognized Tax/Corporate practice. This opportunity is ideal for an attorney with 3+ years of applicable corporate or executive compensation experience, particularly someone interested in working on sophisticated private equity and M&A-driven compensation and benefits matters.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience advising on equity plans, executive compensation arrangements, retention and incentive packages, retirement and welfare plans, and employee benefits issues arising in mergers and acquisitions, with a particular emphasis on private equity transactions. This role offers substantive deal involvement, close collaboration with corporate deal teams, and meaningful client-facing responsibility in a highly strategic practice.

Key Responsibilities
  • Advise on employee benefits and executive compensation matters in complex transactions
  • Support private equity, M&A, and other strategic corporate transactions
  • Draft and negotiate equity plans, award agreements, executive employment agreements, and retention packages
  • Counsel clients on retirement plans, welfare plans, and incentive compensation arrangements
  • Conduct legal research and analysis related to ERISA, tax, securities, and executive compensation issues
  • Assist with transaction diligence, structuring, and closing support
  • Advise on employee benefits and compensation issues in change-of-control and sponsor-backed transactions
  • Work collaboratively with corporate, tax, labor, and private equity teams
  • Participate directly in client calls, negotiations, and strategic planning discussions
  • Stay current on legal developments affecting benefits, compensation, and transactional structures
Qualifications
  • 3+ years of relevant corporate, employee benefits, or executive compensation experience
  • Strong interest in executive compensation and employee benefits law
  • Experience with equity compensation, executive retention, and incentive structures
  • Familiarity with benefits and compensation issues in M&A and private equity transactions
  • Am Law 100 experience preferred
  • Excellent research, drafting, analytical, and communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Sound business judgment and client management ability
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • JD from an accredited law school
  • Active bar admission in the state of office location
Compensation

$260,000 – $390,000, depending on geographic market, experience, and overall qualifications.

Why This Opportunity

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a top-tier executive compensation and benefits platform working on sophisticated sponsor-side and strategic corporate transactions. The role offers a highly collaborative culture, strong mentorship, hybrid flexibility, and the chance to develop a specialized, high-value practice at the intersection of tax, private equity, and M&A.