At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on corporate, commercial, and governance matters across diverse portfolio companies.
- Company: Leading international private equity investor with a dynamic portfolio.
- Benefits: Gain broad exposure, work on high-impact projects, and collaborate with top professionals.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant autonomy and career growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Combine legal expertise with business strategy to drive real impact and value creation.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PQE in corporate law; strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A legal role with direct exposure to business transformation. We're looking for an experienced lawyer to join a specialist portfolio operations team within a leading international private equity investor. Unlike a traditional in‑house role focused on a single business, this position offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of companies across multiple sectors, geographies, and stages of the investment life‑cycle. You'll work closely with investment professionals, operational experts, and management teams to support strategic projects, navigate complex legal challenges, and help portfolio companies deliver their commercial objectives. This is an opportunity for a lawyer who enjoys combining technical legal expertise with practical business problem‑solving and wants to see the direct impact of their work on company performance and value creation.
The Role
As a (Senior) Legal Counsel, you will support portfolio companies on a broad range of corporate, commercial, governance, and restructuring matters. You will be a trusted adviser to management teams while collaborating closely with colleagues across investment, operations, finance, HR, and compliance functions. The role offers significant variety, autonomy, and stakeholder exposure, with the opportunity to work on multiple projects simultaneously across different jurisdictions.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise portfolio companies on a wide range of corporate, commercial, governance, litigation, and restructuring matters.
- Support businesses throughout the investment life‑cycle, including acquisitions, carve‑outs, integration projects, transformation initiatives, and exits.
- Develop and implement legal policies, governance frameworks, and best‑practice standards across portfolio companies.
- Partner with management teams to identify legal risks and develop practical, commercially focused solutions.
- Coordinate and manage external legal advisers across multiple jurisdictions and areas of expertise.
- Support compliance with group policies, governance requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- Contribute to the development of the legal practice through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
You are a commercially minded lawyer who is comfortable operating in fast‑paced environments and working closely with senior business stakeholders. You will likely bring:
- Qualification as a solicitor, attorney, or equivalent legal professional.
- At least 5 years’ post‑qualification experience in corporate and commercial law.
- Experience gained within a leading law firm, private equity environment, restructuring practice, or in‑house legal team.
- Strong understanding of corporate governance, commercial contracting, transactions, and business transformation projects.
- The ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives and deliver pragmatic advice.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across different businesses and jurisdictions.
Why Join?
This role provides the opportunity to work on complex, high‑impact matters across an international portfolio rather than focusing on a single organisation. You'll gain broad exposure to different industries, business challenges, and strategic initiatives while working alongside experienced investment and operational professionals. It’s an ideal opportunity for a lawyer seeking greater commercial exposure, increased responsibility, and a role where legal expertise is closely integrated with business decision‑making and operational improvement. If you're looking for a position that combines legal complexity, commercial engagement, and the opportunity to influence outcomes across a diverse portfolio of businesses, we'd welcome your application.
Senior Legal Counsel (5+years PQE)- M&A employer: Oliver James Associates Ltd.
Join a leading international private equity investor as a Senior Legal Counsel, where you'll enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With significant exposure to diverse portfolio companies across various sectors, this role offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a tangible impact on business performance. Benefit from a supportive environment that values your legal expertise while encouraging you to engage with senior stakeholders and navigate complex challenges in a fast-paced setting.
Contact Details:
Oliver James Associates Ltd. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Legal Counsel (5+years PQE)- M&A
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Legal Counsel (5+years PQE)- M&A
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Oliver James Associates Ltd., make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Oliver James Associates Ltd. and the specific role of Senior Legal Counsel (5+years PQE)- M&A. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Oliver James Associates Ltd.’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver James Associates Ltd.
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Oliver James Associates Ltd..
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Oliver James Associates Ltd..
