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
You will 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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal field. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni or professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the firm’s recent deals and understand their culture. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in corporate law and venture capital. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Corporate Associate role. Plus, applying directly shows your commitment and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Associate in 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 M&A or venture capital experience, even if it's just a project during your training.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your genuine interest in corporate law and why you want to join our team. Mention specific aspects of the firm that excite you, like our entrepreneurial culture or strong deal flow.
Showcase Your Commercial Awareness: We love candidates who are curious about the business world! In your application, demonstrate your understanding of current trends in corporate law and how they impact clients. This will show us you're ready to hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and commitment to joining 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 qualified but genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Deal Experience
If you've worked on any relevant deals, even if they were small or part of a team, be ready to talk about them. Highlight your role, what you learned, and how it relates to the responsibilities of the Corporate Associate position. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Research the firm’s recent deals and clients, especially in sectors like media, technology, and entertainment. Being able to discuss these areas shows that you’re not only aware of the firm's work but also understand the commercial implications behind it.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the firm’s culture, the team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the firm is the right fit for you.