Associate in London

The department advises financial sponsors and their portfolio companies at all stages of the downstream investment cycle, covering everything from buyouts, JVs, consortia investments as well as management incentive plans, financings and refinancings, bolt-on investments, management change, recaps, corporate restructurings and exits. The practice supports portfolio companies on legal issues that typically arise under financial sponsor ownership and leveraged structures, with particular expertise in designing, managing, and restructuring executive incentive schemes, capital allocations and equity issuance for incoming leadership.

The global Financial Sponsor practice forms an integral part of the ongoing M&A success and is one of the most dynamic Financial Sponsor practices in Europe. While the team handles a broad range of private equity transactions across the market, the firm is most often sought out for its expertise in complex, high-end mandates. The group’s recognition by Law360 as a “Private Equity Group of the Year” further speaks to its contribution to the #1 ranking for completed M&A and the #2 ranking for completed global M&A in 2026.

Person Specification

The new hire will join the Corporate group, focusing their time primarily on financial sponsor transactions. We are looking for an individual with 3-5 years’ post-qualification experience, preferably in the London market or with experience in a similar common law jurisdiction, although those with less or more relevant experience will be considered on their merits.

Key Requirements:

• Solid experience in financial sponsor transactions, ideally with exposure to private equity
• Experience drafting and negotiating SPAs, including locked box and completion accounts structures
• Familiarity with management incentive arrangements, including leaver terms and related shareholder documentation
• Experience preparing and negotiating shareholders’ agreements, NDAs, engagement letters, disclosure letters, diligence reports and ancillary transaction documents
• Proven ability to support sponsor-led matters across due diligence, drafting, signing, closing and general corporate workstreams
• Understanding of the structuring of financial sponsor transactions and experience reviewing and commenting on funds flows
• Demonstrated ability to take a leading role in drafting sophisticated transaction documentation
• Strong corporate transactional experience gained in a high-performing legal environment
• Excellent written communication, technical drafting and analytical skills
• Confident, commercially-minded, and able to communicate directly with clients, partners and counsel
• Proactive and able to demonstrate initiative while managing a challenging workload
• Comfortable taking on a high degree of responsibility in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Interest in contributing to marketing, knowhow and pro bono initiatives
• Excellent academic credentials and a commitment to delivering high-quality work

We are looking for a candidate who is proactive, collaborative, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performing environment.

Remuneration

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package, which includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Life insurance
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance
• Travel insurance

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join laterally participate in our mentor program, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions. The program, along with our professional development and other benefits and hybrid work model – consisting of working Monday through Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys) – underscores our long-standing commitment to investing in its people and culture.

Training and Development

We have a sophisticated training program that includes both in-house and external seminars and training sessions. We also pride ourselves on providing our lawyers with "on-the-job" training and constructive "real-time" partner feedback. The formal training program includes:

• Regular team meetings.
• Regular know-how meetings and specific high yield know-how and training program.
• Weekly and monthly training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm’s practice areas and skills.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across our network of offices.

Pro bono

Pro bono is a core aspect of our culture, and the firm dedicates approximately 3-5% of its total billable hours to pro bono matters. Our lawyers have an opportunity to get involved in a range of pro bono matters under the supervision of charities, on topics including family, welfare benefits, housing, and immigration, as well as corporate pro bono opportunities.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees in relation to any protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, religion or belief, nationality, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth, adoption or disability.

Ahead of making your application, if you have any adjustments which you would like to make us aware of, please contact us directly.