At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mid-market M&A transactions and mentor junior lawyers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Progressive London law firm with a collaborative culture and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Clear career progression pathway and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of impactful transactions and advance your career towards partnership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Solicitor with 5-8 years' PQE in Corporate Law and strong M&A experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
Salary: c£75,000
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Lead on Mid-Market M&A Transactions in a Growing London Practice
Are you an experienced Corporate Solicitor ready to step into a senior role with greater ownership, client exposure, and genuine progression prospects? This is a compelling opportunity to join a forward-thinking London firm where you will lead on mid-market M&A transactions (typically £20–30m in value), advise an impressive client base, and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the corporate team.
Our client is seeking a commercially minded Senior Associate – Corporate Law who is confident running transactions end-to-end, mentoring junior lawyers, and contributing strategically to the practice’s expansion.
The Role – Senior Associate, Corporate Law
In this senior position, you will handle a broad range of corporate matters, with a strong focus on leading transactional work, including:
- Mergers & acquisitions (M&A) – leading mid-market transactions (£20–30m) from inception through to completion
- Taking full ownership of deals, acting as the primary legal lead and key client contact
- Private equity and venture capital investments
- Corporate restructurings and reorganisations
- Drafting and negotiating SPAs, shareholders’ agreements, and investment documentation
- Advising on corporate governance and regulatory matters
- Managing client relationships and delivering commercially focused advice
- Supporting and supervising junior team members
- Contributing to business development and networking initiatives
You will work on complex, high-quality transactions across a diverse client base including SMEs, investors, and entrepreneurial businesses, with real autonomy and responsibility.
What We’re Looking For
To be considered for this opportunity, you should demonstrate:
- Qualified Solicitor (England & Wales)
- 5–8 years’ PQE in Corporate Law within a UK law firm
- Strong experience in M&A transactions, including leading or running deals independently
- Proven track record of handling transactions in the £20–30m range (or similar mid-market deals)
- Confidence in managing matters end-to-end with minimal supervision
- Excellent technical knowledge of company law and corporate governance
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills
- Experience supervising or mentoring junior team members (preferred)
- A proactive approach to client relationship management and business development
What’s on Offer
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive package to attract and retain top talent:
- Salary: £75,000–£95,000 (depending on experience)
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Pension contributions
- Ongoing professional development and CPD support
- Exposure to high-quality, mid-market transactional work with real responsibility
- Clear and structured career progression pathway to Partnership
- Supportive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture
Career Progression
This role offers a clear and realistic path for advancement, including:
- Progression to Legal Director and Partnership level
- Opportunities to develop a specialist sector or client base
- Increasing responsibility for leading transactions and client relationships
- Involvement in the firm’s strategic growth and development
If you are an ambitious Corporate Solicitor ready to take the next step in your career within a progressive and supportive firm—where you can lead meaningful M&A transactions and build a long-term future, we would welcome your application.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact: David Hawthorne-Finch Email: d.hawthorne-finch@h-fts.com
All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Senior Associate - Corporate Law in London employer: Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking London firm that prioritises employee growth and offers a supportive, collaborative culture. As a Senior Associate in Corporate Law, you will enjoy competitive compensation, generous benefits, and the opportunity to lead significant mid-market M&A transactions while mentoring junior lawyers. With a clear pathway to partnership and ongoing professional development, this role is perfect for ambitious solicitors looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Contact Details:
Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate - Corporate Law in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the corporate law scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers or networking contacts, make sure to highlight your experience with M&A transactions. Share specific examples of deals you've led and the impact you made. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website and follow up with a personal message. Express your enthusiasm for the position and mention how your skills align with their needs. A little extra effort can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to corporate law and M&A. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to mentor junior lawyers. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers until you feel ready to impress!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate - Corporate Law in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Associate role. Highlight your experience in M&A transactions and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in corporate law and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Client Management Skills:Since client relationships are key, make sure to mention your experience managing clients and delivering commercially focused advice. We love seeing how you’ve built strong relationships in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hawthorne-finch Talent Solutions
✨Know Your M&A Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of mergers and acquisitions, especially in the mid-market range of £20–30m. Be prepared to discuss specific transactions you've led or been involved in, highlighting your role and the outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Associate, you'll be expected to mentor junior lawyers and lead transactions. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team or guided less experienced colleagues, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Client Relationship Management
Prepare to talk about how you've built and maintained client relationships in previous roles. Highlight any strategies you've used to deliver commercially focused advice and how you've contributed to business development initiatives.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical knowledge of company law and corporate governance. Brush up on relevant legislation and be prepared to discuss how it applies to real-world scenarios, particularly in relation to the firm's practice areas.
