At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team, supporting M&A transactions and shaping investment decisions.
- Company: Ambitious investment business in Brighton with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Office-based role with constant exposure to investment discussions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on live deals in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in corporate/M&A law and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
We’re working with a highly ambitious investment business offering a rare opportunity for a Corporate Lawyer to step into a hands‑on in‑house Corporate M&A role in Brighton. This is a standout chance to join a fast‑moving investment environment and work directly alongside an experienced deal team, gaining genuine exposure to live transactions and the full lifecycle of investments. You’ll be embedded in the heart of the business, where legal input is closely tied to commercial decision‑making.
Want a role where your legal advice genuinely shapes investment decisions? This is not a traditional in‑house role. You will sit as part of a small but highly ambitious team, working side‑by‑side with investment professionals on live transactions and portfolio matters. Within this In‑House Corporate Lawyer role, the focus is on speed, pragmatism, and commerciality; helping deals get done efficiently, without losing sight of legal risk where it really matters. You will be trusted to operate as a key legal point of contact for transactions, with strong support available from senior colleagues and a paralegal. Over time, you’ll take increasing ownership of execution, particularly on smaller and mid‑sized deals.
What will this In‑House Corporate Lawyer role involve? You’ll be embedded in a busy deal environment, supporting and leading on a broad range of transactional and portfolio work, including:
- Buy‑side M&A work on UK acquisitions, including structuring support and transaction implementation
- Drafting and negotiating NDAs, heads of terms, and ancillary deal documents
- Managing targeted legal due diligence focused on key commercial risks
- Drafting and negotiating SPA/BPA documentation and associated disclosure materials
- Supporting equity documentation including shareholder arrangements, incentive structures, and related investment instruments
- Assisting on sell‑side processes alongside external counsel, including transaction preparation
- Providing ongoing legal support to portfolio companies, including integration issues, management exits, and corporate structuring matters
To excel in this In‑House Corporate Lawyer role, you will ideally bring:
- 2‑4 years’ PQE in corporate/M&A law (strong UK qualification required)
- Solid experience in transactional corporate work, ideally including exposure to private equity or similar deal environments
- Confidence handling legal workstreams with increasing autonomy
- Strong drafting skills and the ability to translate legal complexity into clear commercial advice
- A proactive, commercially minded approach with the ability to work at pace
- The ability to engage confidently with non‑lawyers in a deal‑driven environment
The working environment: You’ll be joining a close‑knit and highly collaborative team within a larger, ambitious investment organisation. The culture is open, direct, and fast‑moving, with a strong emphasis on getting deals done efficiently and constructively. The legal team sits directly alongside the investment professionals, meaning constant exposure to live deal activity, investment discussions, and strategic decision‑making. This is an office‑based role in a highly social, energetic environment, where collaboration and proximity to the deal team are central to how the business operates. Location: Brighton (office‑based)
If you’re someone who thrives in a commercial, fast‑paced environment, enjoys variety, and wants direct exposure to how investment decisions are made and executed, we’d love to hear from you.
Corporate In-House Lawyer (M&A) employer: Harvey John Recruitment
Join a dynamic investment business in Brighton as a Corporate In-House Lawyer, where you'll be at the forefront of M&A transactions, working closely with a collaborative team that values your legal expertise in shaping investment decisions. Enjoy a fast-paced, open culture that prioritises efficiency and commerciality, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and direct involvement in live deals. This role offers a unique chance to thrive in a vibrant office environment, making a tangible impact on the company's success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate In-House Lawyer (M&A)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the company you’re eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company’s recent deals and understand their investment strategy. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in real-time! If you get the chance, consider doing a mock negotiation or drafting exercise during the interview process. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your legal acumen and commercial mindset directly, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
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 love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate In-House Lawyer (M&A)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for M&A:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for corporate M&A shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make in a fast-paced investment environment.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in corporate law and M&A. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your transactional work and any exposure to private equity.
Be Clear and Concise:In a busy deal environment, clarity is key. When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that convey your legal expertise without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re proactive, which we love!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey John Recruitment
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of M&A transactions, especially in the UK context. Be ready to discuss recent deals you've worked on and how you navigated legal complexities while keeping an eye on commercial outcomes.
✨Show Your Commercial Mindset
This role is all about pragmatism and speed. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to provide clear, commercial advice under pressure. Think about times when your legal input directly influenced a deal's success.
✨Engage with Non-Lawyers
Since you'll be working closely with investment professionals, practice explaining legal concepts in simple terms. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-legal colleagues and how you can bridge the gap between law and business.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life deal situations. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle specific challenges, such as managing due diligence or drafting key documents. This will show your practical understanding of the role and your readiness to take ownership.
