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 live deal activity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment.
- Qualifications: 2-4 years PQE in corporate/M&A law and strong drafting skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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) in London 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 and directly influence investment decisions. Our collaborative and fast-paced work culture fosters professional growth, offering you the chance to work closely with experienced deal teams while enjoying a vibrant office environment that prioritises teamwork and efficiency. With strong support from senior colleagues and opportunities for increasing responsibility, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their legal career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate In-House Lawyer (M&A) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join legal forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that in-house role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare for interviews by practising how to articulate your experience in corporate M&A. Be ready to discuss specific deals you've worked on and how you navigated challenges. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the company and understand their investment strategies. When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight how your background aligns with their goals and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate In-House Lawyer (M&A) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Corporate In-House Lawyer role. Highlight your M&A experience and any relevant transactional work to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our fast-paced investment environment.
Showcase Your Commercial Mindset:We’re looking for someone who can blend legal expertise with commercial acumen. In your application, give examples of how you've provided clear, practical advice in previous roles to help drive deals forward.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in Brighton.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harvey John Recruitment
✨Know Your M&A Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of M&A processes, especially in the UK context. Be ready to discuss recent deals you've worked on and how you navigated legal complexities while keeping commercial goals in mind.
✨Show Your Commercial Mindset
This role is all about pragmatism and speed. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to provide clear, actionable legal advice that aligns with business objectives. Think about how you've helped deals get done efficiently in the past.
✨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 under tight deadlines. This will show your readiness for the fast-paced environment.
