At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead private equity fund formation and provide strategic legal advice.
- Company: Join a leading global private capital firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Highly competitive compensation, including carried interest and direct exposure to strategy.
- Why this job: Shape the legal function during a pivotal growth period without people management overhead.
- Qualifications: 8+ years PQE with a strong background in private equity funds.
- Other info: Autonomous role with opportunities for significant impact and career development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
We are partnering with a leading global private capital firm to appoint a Head of Private Equity Legal in London. This is a newly created role which offers the rare opportunity to take ownership of the private equity legal function at a highly regarded investment platform. The role is being created as part of a broader legal function evolution, providing the successful lawyer with genuine scope to help shape how legal supports the business globally. While discreet, this hire comes at a pivotal moment for the firm, including an active fundraise and increasing strategic focus across private equity and private credit.
This is a stand‑alone, senior in‑house funds role with no people management responsibilities. The successful counsel will act as the senior legal lead for private equity funds from London, working closely with senior stakeholders across Europe and the US.
Key responsibilities include:- Leading all private equity fund formation and structuring matters
- Supporting aspects of private credit (particularly US‑focused strategies)
- Advising on fundraising, including adjustment and side‑letter provisions
- Handling LP negotiations and investor‑facing legal issues
- Advising on group and partnership restructurings
- Acting as a strategic legal adviser to the business, including input into broader commercial and structural decisions
- Acting as a gatekeeper for external legal advice and overseeing legal spend
The wider UK legal presence currently consists of a small team of legal and compliance professionals with supporting legal resource, but this role will be the clear senior authority on PE funds legal matters in the region.
About you:- 8+ years’ PQE
- Strong background in private equity funds, ideally trained in top‑tier private practice before moving in‑house to a private capital firm
- Comfortable operating autonomously in a high‑trust, senior role
- Commercial, pragmatic, and confident engaging with investment professionals and senior leadership
- Experience managing top‑tier external counsel and complex fund structures
In return, this role offers a rare opportunity to step into a true Head of Funds / Head of PE Legal role without people management overhead, highly competitive total compensation, including meaningful carried interest, direct exposure to strategy, fundraising, and senior decision‑making, and the ability to shape the legal function during a period of change and growth within a high‑quality platform with a strong global reputation in private capital.
Please apply today to find out more. As part of EJ Legal’s candidate registration and care process, all successful applications are responded to within 14 working days. If you have not been contacted within this timescale your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We may keep your details on our system on a confidential basis for future opportunities. If you would prefer us not to do this, please let us know.
Head of Private Equity Legal in London employer: EJ Legal Limited
Contact Detail:
EJ Legal Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Private Equity Legal in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the private equity space. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or network, make sure to highlight your experience in private equity funds. Share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex fund structures or handled LP negotiations. This will help you stand out as a top candidate.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to private equity legal matters. Think about how you can demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic thinking. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently – it’s all about making a great impression!
✨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’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you to join our team in shaping the future of private equity legal functions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Private Equity Legal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in private equity funds. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements and skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Private Equity Legal role. Be sure to mention your experience with fund formation and structuring, as well as your ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
Showcase Your Autonomy: Since this role requires someone who can operate autonomously, make sure to highlight instances where you've successfully managed projects or legal matters independently. We love seeing candidates who are confident and proactive!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at EJ Legal Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in private equity. Familiarise yourself with the firm's recent activities, especially around fundraising and strategic shifts. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also invested in the firm's success.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly your experience with fund formation and structuring. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've navigated complex legal issues or managed external counsel, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey legal concepts in a way that resonates with investment professionals, showing that you can bridge the gap between legal and commercial perspectives.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the firm's current challenges and opportunities. Inquire about their vision for the legal function's evolution and how you can contribute to shaping it. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a proactive candidate.
