Senior Associate - Corporate/ M&A - PE
Senior Associate - Corporate & M&A (Private Equity / Large Buyout Transactions)
PQE: 5-9 years
Location: London
Practice Area: Corporate / Private Equity
Firm: Leading Ranked International Law Firm
Overview
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Associate to join our highly regarded Corporate & M&A team, with a primary focus on private equity, large‑cap buyouts, and high‑value cross‑border transactions. This role is ideal for a motivated, technically strong lawyer who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and wants to work on market‑leading deals for prominent private equity sponsors and financial investors.
As part of a top-tier practice consistently recognised in legal directories for its excellence across the private equity landscape, you will advise on sophisticated, high‑profile matters alongside industry-leading partners and an international client base.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex M&A and private equity transactions, including buyouts, secondary transactions, bolt-ons, carve-outs, and co-investments.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of transactional documents, including SPA, investment agreements, shareholders' agreements, and management incentive documentation.
- Support clients through the entire deal lifecycle: structuring, due diligence, execution, closing, and post‑completion.
- Provide strategic, commercially focused legal advice to private equity houses, portfolio companies, and institutional investors.
- Collaborate seamlessly with teams across tax, finance, regulatory, employment, and other practice areas to deliver integrated solutions.
- Mentor and supervise junior associates and trainees within the team.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients and contribute to business development initiatives.
Requirements
- 5 to 9 years' PQE gained at a leading international, UK, or top‑tier boutique law firm.
- Outstanding experience in private equity transactions and corporate M&A, ideally working on large‑cap or upper‑mid‑market deals.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and technical legal skills.
- Proven ability to manage complex transactions independently and drive workstreams effectively.
- Excellent communication, client relationship management, and problem‑solving abilities.
- A proactive and commercial mindset, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
- Commitment to high standards, teamwork, and contributing to a positive team culture.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your cv so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with cv and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.