Associate Solicitor - Private Equity - Elite US practice

An elite US law firm is seeking a junior-to-mid level Private Equity Associate to join its highly regarded London corporate practice.

The team advises leading financial sponsors and their portfolio companies across the full investment lifecycle, acting on complex, cross-border private equity transactions throughout the UK, Europe and internationally. This is an opportunity to work on market-leading sponsor-side deals within a collaborative, high-performing team offering significant client exposure and responsibility from an early stage.

The Role

The successful candidate will work closely with partners and senior lawyers on a broad range of private equity matters, including:

• Sponsor-led acquisitions and disposals
• Portfolio company investments and bolt-on acquisitions
• Management incentive arrangements
• Corporate restructurings and recapitalisations
• Exits and other strategic transactions

The role offers substantial responsibility for drafting and negotiating transaction documents, direct client contact, and involvement in sophisticated cross-border transactions.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

• 2–4 years' post-qualification experience (England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction)
• Strong private equity/financial sponsor experience gained at a leading international or US law firm

Experience drafting and negotiating:

• Share purchase agreements (including locked box and/or completion accounts structures)
• Shareholders' agreements
• Management incentive documentation, including leaver provisions
• Disclosure letters, NDAs, engagement letters and ancillary transaction documents
• Exposure to transaction structuring and funds flow mechanics
• Excellent drafting, communication and project management skills
• Strong academics and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Candidates with slightly more or less experience who demonstrate the requisite technical ability will also be considered.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the market's premier private equity practices, advising many of the world's leading financial sponsors on high-profile domestic and cross-border transactions. Associates benefit from:

• High levels of responsibility and direct client exposure
• Outstanding partner mentoring and structured training
• A genuinely collaborative team culture
• Exposure to market-leading, complex international transactions
• Highly competitive US-market compensation and benefits package

Ideal for an ambitious private equity associate looking to accelerate their development within a top-tier US platform in London.