Associate – Private Equity

Overview

In this role you will support a leading London-based financial sponsors practice within a global law firm. You’ll work on a broad range of sponsor-led private equity transactions across the UK, Europe and globally, gaining exposure to complex deal work throughout the investment lifecycle. You will collaborate with partners and clients to draft and negotiate key documents and help shape transaction structuring. This is a fast-paced, cross-border environment with emphasis on client relationships and knowledge sharing. Join to contribute to a top-tier sponsor practice and develop in a high-caliber, market-facing team.

Pay / Benefits

• discretionary year-end bonus
• private medical insurance
• life assurance
• enhanced family leave
• pension support
• season ticket loan

Responsibilities

• Advise sponsors and portfolio companies across the investment lifecycle (involvement in incentive plans, financings, bolt-on acquisitions, restructurings, exits)
• Draft and negotiate transaction documents (SPAs, shareholders agreements, management equity and incentive documents, NDAs, engagement letters, disclosures)
• Support structuring of sponsor transactions and review funds flows
• Provide ongoing legal support to portfolio companies under leveraged structures
• Work closely with partners and counsel on drafting and execution
• Communicate with clients and external advisers
• Manage multiple workstreams in fast-paced, deadline-driven transactions
• Contribute to client relationships and broader practice initiatives

Key requirements

• Approximately 2–4 years PQE in a leading London or comparable common law jurisdiction
• Strong experience in financial sponsor/private equity transactions
• Experience drafting and negotiating SPAs (locked box and/or completion accounts)
• Familiarity with management incentive structures and shareholder arrangements
• Exposure to transaction structuring and funds flow analysis
• Strong drafting, negotiation and written communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and manage significant responsibility
• Strong organisational skills and ability to handle a demanding workload
• Interest in contributing to marketing, knowhow and pro bono initiatives
• Excellent academic background

• Strong drafting and negotiation
• Client-facing communication
• initiative and responsibility
• Drafting SPAs (locked box and completion accounts)
• Management incentive structures
• Shareholders’ arrangements

…