At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team handling exciting corporate and venture capital matters.
- Company: Well-regarded London law firm with a supportive and entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, and no rigid billable-hour targets.
- Why this job: Gain early responsibility and direct access to partners while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 1-3 PQE Corporate lawyer with a keen interest in business development.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and building a client base in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A well-regarded London law firm is looking to add a junior Corporate Associate to its established and highly commercial Corporate & Venture Capital team. The hire follows a period of sustained growth and an internal restructure that has created genuine opportunity at junior level.
This is a rare chance to join a partner-led team with a strong deal flow, excellent client exposure, and a clear commitment to developing associates into well-rounded, commercially minded corporate lawyers.
The Role
- Work closely with partners and senior associates on a broad mix of corporate and venture capital matters, including:
- Private M&A transactions (mid-market through to high-value deals)
- Venture capital and growth equity investments (from Series A & B through to later-stage rounds)
- Shareholder agreements, joint ventures, and strategic investments
- Corporate governance, restructurings, capital reductions, and buybacks
- Advising founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and fast-growth businesses
The team operates in a dynamic, deal-driven environment, frequently acting opposite City, US, and specialist firms. Associates are given early responsibility, real ownership of workstreams, and direct access to partners and clients.
The Team
- A sizeable, well-resourced corporate practice with strong partner depth
- Many lawyers trained and developed in large City or international firms before choosing a more entrepreneurial platform
- Particularly strong in media, entertainment, sport, technology, branding, and founder-led businesses, alongside more traditional corporate work
The Ideal Candidate
- 1–3 PQE England & Wales qualified Corporate lawyer
- Trained at an established corporate practice
- Solid grounding in company law and transactional work
- Exposure to VC, investments, or PE is desirable but not essential
- Commercial, curious, and confident working directly with partners and clients
- Genuinely interested in business development, networking, and long-term practice building
Culture & Progression
- No rigid billable-hour targets
- Supportive, collaborative, and entrepreneurial culture
- Encouragement to develop sector interests and a personal client base
- Lighter and more sustainable hours than many City competitors
- Hybrid working and flexibility where the work allows
This role will suit a junior associate who wants high-quality work without the bureaucracy, early responsibility without being overstretched, and a platform where ambition and initiative are actively encouraged.
Corporate Associate in City of London employer: Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Associate in City of London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend networking events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
If you can, set up informational interviews with current corporate associates or partners. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get insider tips on what firms are really looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for corporate law and venture capital. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your skills and commitment. Let them see your passion!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Associate in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Corporate Associate role. Highlight any relevant transactions or corporate law experience, and don’t forget to mention your interest in business development!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. Share why you’re excited about working in a partner-led team and how you can contribute to their dynamic environment.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of the corporate landscape. Mention any recent deals or trends in the industry that excite you, and how they relate to the work you’d be doing as a Corporate Associate.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment
✨Know Your Corporate Law Basics
Brush up on your company law and transactional work knowledge. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in corporate law, especially those relevant to private M&A and venture capital. This shows you’re not just a candidate but someone genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Deal Experience
If you've had any exposure to VC investments or private equity, make sure to highlight that during the interview. Even if it’s limited, discussing your understanding of these areas can set you apart and demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Be ready to talk about current trends in the business world, particularly in sectors like media, technology, and entertainment. Showing that you understand the commercial implications of legal decisions will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s culture, the team’s approach to client relationships, and opportunities for professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career aspirations.