Associate - Private Equity in London

Fintelligent is partnering with a leading international law firm to recruit an Associate into its London Financial Sponsors team within the Corporate group. This is an excellent opportunity for a junior-to-mid-level lawyer to join one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most dynamic financial sponsors practices. The successful candidate will work closely with leading partners on a broad range of private equity transactions across the UK, Europe and globally, gaining exposure to complex sponsor-led deals across the full investment lifecycle. The role sits within a highly regarded global platform that advises some of the world’s leading financial sponsors and portfolio companies on high-value, complex and cross-border transactions.

What You'll Do

• Advise financial sponsors and portfolio companies across the investment lifecycle, including:
• Management incentive plans
• Leveraged and acquisition financings
• Bolt-on acquisitions
• Management transitions
• Recapitalisations
• Corporate restructurings
• Exit processes
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documentation, including:
• Share purchase agreements (locked box and completion accounts structures)
• Shareholders’ agreements
• Management equity and incentive documents (including leaver provisions)
• NDAs, engagement letters and disclosure documents
• Support the structuring of financial sponsor transactions.
• Review and comment on transaction funds flows.
• Provide ongoing legal support to portfolio companies operating under leveraged capital structures.
• Work closely with partners and counsel, taking an active role in drafting and execution.
• Communicate directly with clients and external advisers.
• Manage multiple workstreams in fast-paced, deadline-driven transactions.
• Contribute to the development of client relationships and broader practice initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Approximately 2–4 years' PQE gained in a leading London or comparable common law jurisdiction.
• Strong experience in financial sponsor / private equity transactions.
• Experience drafting and negotiating SPAs (locked box and/or completion accounts).
• Familiarity with management incentive structures and shareholder arrangements.
• Exposure to transaction structuring and funds flow analysis.
• Strong drafting, negotiation and written communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and manage significant responsibility.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to handle a demanding workload.
• Interest in contributing to marketing, knowhow and pro bono initiatives.
• Excellent academic background.

Compensation

Compensation is highly competitive and aligned with leading international law firm market rates. The package includes a discretionary year-end bonus and a full suite of benefits such as private medical insurance, life assurance, enhanced family leave, pension support, season ticket loan, gym allowance, and travel insurance.

Additional Information

The firm operates a hybrid working model, with in-office attendance typically required Monday to Thursday for full-time attorneys. Associates participate in a structured integration and mentoring programme designed to support lateral hires, alongside extensive formal and informal training opportunities, including seminars, workshops and cross-office knowledge sharing. Pro bono work is a core part of the firm’s culture, with approximately 3–5% of billable hours dedicated to matters across areas such as family, housing, immigration and broader corporate pro bono initiatives. The firm is an Equal Opportunities Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.