Corporate Counsel, M&A

As a Corporate Counsel for M&A at Instacart, you will primarily advise on M&A transactions, which includes conducting due diligence, drafting, negotiating, and finalizing acquisition agreements, as well as overseeing post-closing activities. Additionally, you will manage strategic investments, corporate compliance, and governance matters for our domestic and international subsidiaries, working closely with various teams like Corporate Development and HR to ensure that all legal frameworks align with our business objectives.

To qualify for the Corporate Counsel role focusing on M&A at Instacart, candidates should hold a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be admitted to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, preferably California. Candidates should also possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in M&A, either in a law firm or corporate setting, and should demonstrate a strong understanding of corporate compliance and governance, along with excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.

At Instacart, Corporate Counsel in M&A roles receive substantial support through professional development opportunities and cross-functional collaboration. Our proactive legal team values innovation and problem-solving, encouraging Counsel to build relationships across departments—such as Finance and Compliance—to develop comprehensive legal frameworks. This collaborative atmosphere ensures that you can thrive and efficiently tackle the legal complexities that arise in strategic transactions.

The work environment for a Corporate Counsel, M&A at Instacart is flexible and supportive. We embrace a 'Flex First' approach, allowing you the choice to work from home, an office, or any location that suits you best. This flexibility helps our team members maintain a healthy work-life balance while staying connected through regular in-person events and collaboration on projects, ensuring a vibrant and engaging workplace.

The compensation for a Corporate Counsel focusing on M&A at Instacart varies by location, with base pay ranges between $187,000 and $250,000 depending on the state and the candidate’s experience. Additionally, this position is eligible for equity grants and comprehensive benefits that reflect our commitment to market-competitive compensation.

When answering this question, focus on specific M&A deals you've worked on, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and how you contributed to the success of the transaction. Highlight your ability to analyze complex legal documents, your negotiation skills, and any post-merger integration experiences.

A strong response should showcase your understanding of corporate compliance frameworks. Discuss your approach to developing compliance programs, training employees, and implementing policies to uphold ethics within the organization. Provide examples of past experiences where you've successfully navigated compliance challenges.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks, such as using project management tools and effective communication techniques with stakeholders. Discuss how you ensure that deadlines are met without compromising quality, emphasizing your organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Prepare a scenario where you dealt with a difficult legal challenge. Explain the context, the steps you took to address the issue, and the outcome. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and legal acumen to the interviewers.

Discuss the importance of clear communication and collaboration in building trust with cross-functional teams. Share your experiences in fostering relationships through regular check-ins, transparency, and understanding the needs and goals of other departments.

Highlight your understanding of the company’s strategic goals and how you integrate that into your legal advice. Talk about collaborating with business units to ensure that your recommendations are pragmatic and support overall business initiatives.

In your response, share specific experiences with corporate governance, such as compliance with regulations, participation in board meetings, or addressing issues with entity management. This will show that you have a thorough understanding of governance practices.

Discuss your negotiation style, focusing on preparation, understanding both parties’ interests, and the importance of clear communication. Provide an example that illustrates your ability to find common ground while still prioritizing your client's best interests.

Emphasize your commitment to ethical practices in all aspects of legal work. Discuss how you keep abreast of legal ethics standards, implement compliance training, and promote a culture of integrity within the organization.

Share your methods for ongoing education, such as attending workshops, subscribing to legal journals, and participating in professional networks. This demonstrates your initiative in staying informed about evolving legal landscapes.