Corporate Associate; Part-Time

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Are you a seasoned corporate attorney looking for a role that lets you balance high-caliber legal work with a life outside the office? If you’re ready to reclaim your legal career on your own terms, this opportunity may be for you.

About Serna Legal Services

Serna Legal Services is a rapidly growing corporate law firm headquartered in the Greater Chicagoland Area. Founded by Noeli Serna (an experienced corporate attorney with nearly a decade in complex transactions, contracts and corporate governance), the firm was built on the principle that quality and client relationships come first, not billable hours. We operate virtually with a focus on providing high-quality legal services to businesses of all sizes, and we pride ourselves on big-law caliber work delivered in a more flexible, life-friendly environment.

Position Overview

• Title: Corporate Associate Attorney (Part-Time)
• Location: Remote (Illinois-based). Must be located in Illinois; occasional quarterly in-person meetings in Chicago.
• Reports to: Founding Attorney (Noeli Serna)
• Classification: Exempt, Part-Time (approximately 15–20 billable hours per week)

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will be a key player in our firm’s corporate transactions and day-to-day legal services, working closely with the Founding Attorney. Your responsibilities will include:

• Mergers & Acquisitions:
  Lead and assist in buy-side and sell-side business acquisitions and sales, typically in the small to mid-market range (up to around $5million). You’ll handle everything from due diligence and drafting purchase agreements to negotiating terms and managing closings, ensuring smooth transactions for our clients.
• Commercial Contracts:
  Draft, review, and negotiate a wide array of commercial contracts, including vendor agreements, client service agreements, NDAs, operating agreements, and more.
• Corporate Governance & Entity Matters:
  Advise on and manage entity formations, corporate restructurings and governance matters. You’ll prepare corporate documents, bylaws/operating agreements, board resolutions, and ensure compliance with Illinois corporate law for our clients’ businesses.
• Intellectual Property Support:
  Provide trademark and copyright services as needed (e.g. advising on brand protection strategies, preparing trademark applications), in collaboration with outside specialists if necessary.
• Legal Research & Strategy:
  Tackle complex legal questions through thorough research and analysis. Whether it’s a novel regulatory issue or a tricky contract clause, you’ll develop strategic recommendations that align with our clients’ business goals.
• Client Collaboration:
  Serve as a trusted advisor to our clients. You’ll liaise directly with business owners and executives, building relationships, understanding their objectives, and keeping them informed and empowered at every step of their legal matter. You will provide strategic advice in plain language, helping clients make informed decisions.
• Other Duties as Assigned:
  As a growing firm, we all wear multiple hats. You’ll jump in on other projects or tasks that support the firm’s success, as needed.

Your Qualifications

You’re a sharp legal mind with a proven track record in corporate law. You have extensive experience in buy-side and sell-side transactions (typically in the ~$5million and under range) and you’re adept at reviewing, drafting, and negotiating complex commercial contracts. More about your profile:

• Experienced: You have a J.D. and are licensed to practice in Illinois (active bar member in good standing), with at least 4 years of experience as a corporate attorney. Your background includes significant M&A transactions and general corporate work.
• Technically Skilled: You bring strong drafting, analytical, and research skills, and a strategic mindset. You’re comfortable with technology – proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to legal practice software (experience with platforms like Clio Manage or project tools like Click Up is a plus).
• Client-Centric Communicator: You build rapport with clients effortlessly, explaining…