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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-stakes private equity transactions and manage complex deal processes.
- Company: Prestigious international law firm with a dynamic Private Equity team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exceptional training, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Work on headline-making deals for top global investment firms.
- Qualifications: E&W or Common Law Qualified Solicitor with private equity experience.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing team with international exposure and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Our client, a prestigious international law firm, is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its highly active Private Equity practice in London. This opportunity offers direct exposure to some of the most significant sponsor-side M&A and investment transactions in the market. The successful candidate will work alongside a team of leading partners on a wide range of complex, cross-border private equity deals.
The Opportunity
- Join a dynamic and growing Private Equity team within a top-tier global law firm known for handling large-scale, sponsor-led transactions.
- Work directly with a deep bench of senior partners, each recognised for their expertise in high-value leveraged buyouts, take-privates, and strategic investments.
- Gain exposure to market-leading private equity clients across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, engaging in fast-paced, high-stakes deals.
- Benefit from an environment that combines U.S. market sophistication with London-based execution, offering exceptional training and cross-border exposure.
The Team
- The Private Equity group sits within a wider Corporate department of c.120 lawyers, collaborating seamlessly across offices worldwide.
- Partners in London are widely recognised for advising major sponsors and institutional investors on buyouts, disposals, and portfolio company transactions.
- The team frequently works on matters involving multi-jurisdictional structuring, complex financing overlays, and strategic exits for global investment firms.
- A strong pipeline of work reflects the group’s rapid growth and client demand for high-end sponsor representation in Europe.
Key Responsibilities
- Advise on leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures for leading private equity sponsors and portfolio companies.
- Manage the full lifecycle of transactions, including structuring, due diligence, drafting, and negotiation.
- Support on cross-border financings, carve-outs, and take-private deals, coordinating with specialists across multiple jurisdictions.
- Collaborate closely with clients’ deal teams, offering commercially focused, strategic advice aligned with their investment objectives.
- Contribute to business development initiatives and client relationship management within a high-performing, entrepreneurial team.
About You
- E&W or Common Law Qualified Solicitor, with UK market experience
- NQ–8 PQE, with strong experience in private equity, M&A, or leveraged transactions gained at a leading international or City firm.
- Excellent academic background and rigorous legal training.
- Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex workstreams under time pressure.
- A genuine interest in the private equity industry and familiarity with sponsor-side deal dynamics.
- Comfortable working on multi-jurisdictional matters and liaising across different practice areas.
- Confident communicator who enjoys client contact and thrives in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
Why This Role
- A chance to work on headline-making transactions for leading global investment firms.
- Exposure to both U.S. and European private equity deal structures, offering career development on an international scale.
- Highly competitive remuneration and a clear path for progression within a firm experiencing significant growth in London.
- Ideal for lawyers seeking cutting-edge sponsor-side experience within a fast-expanding, top-tier platform.
Rutherford is a leading legal recruiter that also works closely with tier one sponsors, buyside firms and investment banks for in-house roles. Please get in contact if you would like to be alerted to the most exciting Counsel opportunities.
To find more of our jobs please visit our website: https://www.rutherfordsearch.com/jobs
Job Reference: NWC8874
Keywords:
Private equity, M&A, leveraged buyouts, sponsor-side transactions, cross-border acquisitions, corporate law, NQ–8 PQE, take-privates, investment funds, London, high-value deals, buyouts, portfolio transactions, international law firm.
Associate, Private Equity, Elite International Law Firm (1-6 PQE) employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Private Equity, Elite International Law Firm (1-6 PQE)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the private equity space. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university who are already in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the firm and its recent deals. Show that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in their work. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their needs in high-value transactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Whether it’s discussing salary or terms of employment, being confident and articulate can set you apart. Role-play with friends or mentors to get comfortable with these conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private Equity, Elite International Law Firm (1-6 PQE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in private equity, M&A, and any relevant transactions you've worked on. 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 express your genuine interest in private equity and why you’re excited about this opportunity. Let us know what makes you a great fit for our team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of your drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex workstreams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Private Equity Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and key players in the private equity space. Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile deals, especially those involving leveraged buyouts and take-privates, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Transaction Experience
Be ready to discuss specific transactions you've worked on, highlighting your role in structuring, due diligence, and negotiation. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to manage complex workstreams under pressure.
✨Prepare for Cross-Border Scenarios
Since this role involves multi-jurisdictional matters, think about how you would approach a cross-border deal. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have and how you would coordinate with specialists across different jurisdictions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about the firm’s approach to private equity transactions and their client relationships. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in contributing to the team’s success.
