Associate - Private Equity in London

Associate - Private Equity in London

London Full-Time 50000 - 70000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Freshfields

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Work on exciting cross-border private equity transactions and develop your legal expertise.
  • Company: Join a top-tier law firm with a global presence and a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive training, career development, and opportunities for international secondments.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diverse backgrounds and offers excellent career growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a leading private equity practice and make an impact on major deals.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years as a solicitor with corporate and private equity experience.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.

We wish to expand the team in London to meet increasing demand from our top-tier financial sponsor clients, and are looking for ambitious, bright and motivated associates looking to join the team for the long term.

Our Private Equity team sits as part of our Private Capital Group within the firm’s Global M&A and Capital (GMAC) practice, alongside M&A, Capital Markets and Finance. We act for a wide range of financial investor clients, including private equity, pension and sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure funds, alternative capital providers and real estate investment trusts. We are a band 1 private equity practice and consistently ranked at the top of the league tables in Europe, Asia and globally. Most of our work has a cross-border element, requiring us to draw on the expertise of our lawyers in other offices across the network.

Role summary/purpose of job

Our private equity lawyers will work on a broad mix of transactions for private equity and other financial sponsor clients, including public and private M&A, carve-outs, buy-outs, joint ventures, consortium deals, minority/structured investments and reorganizations. Most of the work will have an international dimension and will range from some of the largest and most complex transactions to smaller deals which provide an opportunity for associates to take greater responsibility.

We offer comprehensive training and career development for associates at all levels and encourage secondments, both within our international network and to our clients.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

  • Working on a wide variety of large, complex, cross-border corporate transactions
  • Focus on private equity and other financial sponsor clients across a wide range of market sectors
  • Participating in business development initiatives with our financial sponsor clients

Key requirements

  • At least 2 years post-qualification experience as a solicitor in England & Wales, or a similarly experienced common law qualified lawyer with an outstanding academic record.
  • Corporate and private equity experience gained at a leading firm, including cross-border transactions
  • Excellent technical legal skills and strong commercial judgement
  • Able to work effectively as part of a team and supervise more junior lawyers
  • Highly effective communicator (both orally and in writing)
  • Able to take on a high degree of responsibility and manage a challenging workload
  • Committed to providing an excellent service to our clients
  • Proactive involvement in business development and knowledge management

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Please let us know if you require any support, or adjustments to be made, in order to submit your application to Freshfields.

Associate - Private Equity in London employer: Freshfields

Freshfields is an exceptional employer, offering associates in London the chance to work within a top-tier private equity practice renowned for its international reach and complex transactions. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training, career progression opportunities, and the chance to engage in cross-border deals, all within a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and innovation.

Freshfields

Contact Detail:

Freshfields Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Associate - Private Equity 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 current employees at firms you’re interested in. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.

Show Off Your Skills

When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with cross-border transactions and your technical legal skills. Be ready to discuss specific deals you've worked on and how you contributed to their success. We want to see your passion for private equity!

Ace the Informational Interview

If you can, set up informational interviews with professionals in the field. This is your chance to ask questions about their experiences and the firm’s culture. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Associate - Private Equity in London

Corporate Law
Private Equity
Cross-Border Transactions
M&A
Commercial Judgement
Team Collaboration
Supervision of Junior Lawyers

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Associate - Private Equity role. Highlight your relevant experience in corporate and private equity, especially any cross-border transactions you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with our top-tier financial sponsor clients.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for private equity and your understanding of the market. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team and how you can contribute to our success.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:As effective communication is key in our line of work, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields

Know Your Private Equity Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and key players in the private equity space. Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile deals and understand the nuances of cross-border transactions, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.

Showcase Your Team Spirit

Since teamwork is crucial in this role, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight your ability to supervise junior lawyers and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment.

Communicate Clearly and Confidently

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, both verbally and in writing. You might be asked to explain complex legal concepts, so being able to communicate effectively will set you apart. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.

Be Proactive About Business Development

Demonstrate your understanding of business development by discussing any initiatives you've been involved in. Share ideas on how you could contribute to attracting new clients or enhancing relationships with existing ones, showing that you're not just about the legal work but also about growing the practice.