Senior Associate – M&A / Private Equity

Overview

In this role you will support a leading private equity practice within a global law firm. You will work on high-profile PE transactions, collaborating with core partners to expand the upper mid-market offering. You will manage deal workstreams, draft and negotiate key documents, and mentor junior lawyers, contributing to a growing, ambitious team. This is an opportunity to shape PE-focused solutions for funds and portfolio companies at scale.

Responsibilities

• Advise PE funds and portfolio companies across a range of transactions (MBOs, LBOs, auction sales, public-to-private, growth equity, restructurings, recapitalisations)
• Lead PE transactions for fund investor clients under partner supervision
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documents in line with PE market practice
• Structure and advise on management equity arrangements
• Provide general corporate advice to portfolio companies
• Coordinate transaction matters and supervise junior colleagues
• Act as lead associate on matters and contribute to larger teams
• Manage timelines, budgets, and multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Support business development activities ( pitches, marketing, thought leadership)
• Develop junior lawyers and serve as a role model
• Build reputation internally and in the market

Key requirements

• 4–8 years’ PQE with a strong focus on private equity transactions
• Demonstrable experience advising PE funds and PE-backed companies
• English-qualified solicitor or foreign-qualified with PE focus
• Familiarity with key PE drafting and market practice
• Strong understanding of PE fund drivers and commercial objectives
• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and project management skills
• Proven people management and business development capabilities
• Willingness to lead PE transactions at an early stage
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Collaborative and independent working style
• Strong academic credentials

• people management
• business development
• negotiation
• private equity drafting
• market practice knowledge
• structure of management equity arrangements

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