At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead legal workstreams on exciting private equity deals and collaborate closely with founders.
- Company: Fast-growing, founder-led private equity firm based in Brighton.
- Benefits: Annual bonus, potential carry in funds, and structured exposure to the full investment cycle.
- Other info: Collaborative office culture with flexibility and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor to founders and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3-6 PQE corporate lawyer with strong M&A experience and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
A genuine seat at the table, not a supporting role.
If you're a 3-6 PQE corporate lawyer in private practice, you already know how this goes: you do excellent work, draft brilliant documents and then someone more senior takes the call with the client, has the relationship and makes the decisions.
This role flips that: you'll be in the room, working with the founders and you won't be recording another six-minute unit for reviewing an NDA.
The business
- You'll be joining the in-house legal team of a fast-growing, founder-led private equity firm based in Brighton, doing 4-5 platform acquisitions and 10-15 bolt-on deals a year, all UK mid-market, all led in-house.
- The firm was built by a founder with a decorated career at the top of UK private equity, including a senior leadership role at one of the country's best-known buyout houses.
They have a clear view of what makes a deal succeed and it isn't legal point-scoring.
It's speed, trust, and getting the right founders on side.
They’re looking for a lawyer to bring the same mindset.
- The legal team currently sits at two: a highly experienced corporate partner (ex-Magic Circle) and a paralegal.
You'd complete the trio, working as genuine deal-team members rather than a service function bolted on at the end.
The role
- Lead and run buy-side legal workstreams on the 10-15 bolt-on deals a year and play a meaningful role on the 4-5 larger platform deals.
- Draft and negotiate SPAs, investment agreements, articles, loan notes and management incentive arrangements.
- Structure those deals to be genuinely founder friendly.
This firm doesn't fight for every last point, and you'll need to be comfortable with that.
It's not about winning for your client the way you might in private practice; it's about getting good deals done in the most straightforward way.
- Get involved in targeted due diligence, not exhaustive due diligence - this firm doesn't believe in drowning good deals in process.
- Support portfolio companies day to day through management stake purchases, exits, growth share schemes and integration issues.
- Sit alongside the deal team, attend investment committees, and understand the "why" behind every acquisition and exit decision, not just the "how".
Being the sharpest lawyer in the room is not the job.
Being the person a founder trusts enough to do a deal with is.
You need to be a genuine people person, someone who can sit across the table from a founder and be part of the reason they choose this firm over anyone else looking to invest.
Technical excellence gets you in the door, relationship-building is what gets you the job.
Package
- Annual bonus of 20-30% of salary, paid into a pot that realises in line with the fund's carry
- Potential to earn carry in the funds directly
- Genuine, structured exposure to the full PE investment cycle from acquisition to exit
Life in the office
- This is an office-based role, most days, most of the time.
Legal sits with the deal team so you're across everything in real time, not catching up after the fact.
There's flexibility when you genuinely need it but it's the exception not the rule.
- Expect to be out by 6:30 most days with the occasional later push when a transaction demands it.
- This is a collaborative and collegiate company, and the office backs onto the local cricket ground, which the business sponsors.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to know your long on from your cow corner but expect some afternoons in the sun when there is a match on.
What you'll need
- Qualification as a lawyer in E&W (or another Commonwealth jurisdiction) with 3-6 PQE
- Solid corporate/M&A experience, ideally including private equity work, from a London law firm
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills, paired with commercial judgement about when to use them
- The ability to explain complex legal points to non-lawyers, clearly and without jargon
- A proactive, get-it-done attitude, and to enjoy being client-facing and relationship-led
- Genuine interest in founder-led businesses, particularly in services and software
If you're ready to trade the billable hour for a seat at the table, get in touch.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Legal Counsel, PE 3-6 PQE in Brighton employer: EJ Legal
Join a prestigious international law firm in London, where you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious team renowned for its exceptional IP litigation practice. With a commitment to employee growth, you will enjoy early responsibility, access to high-quality work, and competitive remuneration, all within a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Legal Counsel, PE 3-6 PQE in Brighton
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
✨Tap into Online Legal Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including EJ Legal, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Legal Counsel, PE 3-6 PQE in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at EJ Legal, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in EJ Legal and the specific role of Legal Counsel, PE 3-6 PQE. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for EJ Legal’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at EJ Legal
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at EJ Legal.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at EJ Legal.
