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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team advising on complex private equity transactions and strategic investments.
- Company: Top-tier international law firm with a strong reputation in private equity.
- Benefits: Gain early client exposure, responsibility, and develop a robust private equity skillset.
- Why this job: Work closely with partners on high-profile deals and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: 1-4 PQE with experience in private equity or corporate M&A from a recognised UK law firm.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth within a globally integrated platform.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a top-tier international law firm seeking to strengthen its London private equity capability with the addition of a high-calibre associate. The role sits within a market-leading transactional team advising financial sponsors, long-term capital providers and corporates on complex domestic and cross-border investments.
This position offers exposure to the full private equity lifecycle, including minority and growth investments, control transactions, exits and ongoing portfolio work. The successful candidate will work closely with a highly regarded London-based partner who is deeply embedded in the sponsor community and regularly instructed on headline transactions across multiple sectors.
The Role
The associate will be involved in a broad mix of sponsor-led and strategic matters, often acting as a core team member from early structuring through execution and completion. The practice is particularly active in complex acquisitions, carve-outs and transformational transactions, as well as investment strategies focused on scaling platforms through follow-on acquisitions. The team also advises on innovative transaction structures, including public-to-private deals, de-SPAC combinations and cross-border investments involving multiple stakeholder groups.
Key Responsibilities
- Advising private equity houses, sovereign-backed investors and family offices on acquisitions, disposals and strategic investments
- Supporting growth capital and minority investment transactions alongside management teams and founders
- Acting on buy-and-build strategies and add-on acquisitions for portfolio companies
- Advising on exit processes, including trade sales and sponsor-to-sponsor transactions
- Handling portfolio company matters across the investment lifecycle
- Working on transactions spanning a range of industries, with particular depth in technology-enabled businesses, education platforms and consumer-facing brands
Candidate Profile
- England & Wales qualified 1 - 4 PQE
- Strong experience in private equity or corporate M&A from a recognised UK Law firm
- Comfortable running workstreams and managing transaction processes with appropriate supervision
- Commercially minded, with the ability to advise sponsor clients in fast-moving deal environments
- Strong drafting skills and experience negotiating key transaction documents
Why This Role
This is an opportunity to join a highly active private equity practice with direct access to partner-level clients and sophisticated transactions. The role offers genuine responsibility, early client exposure and the chance to build a long-term private equity skillset within a globally integrated platform.
Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (1-4 PQE) in City of London employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (1-4 PQE) in City of London
✨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 brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss recent trends in private equity and have a few case studies ready to showcase your understanding of complex transactions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to sell yourself effectively. Think about what makes you unique and how your experience aligns with the role. Keep it concise and engaging.
✨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 get noticed by recruiters who know the ins and outs of the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (1-4 PQE) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the private equity role. Highlight any relevant transactions you've worked on, especially in M&A or private equity, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about private equity and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful.
Showcase Your Drafting Skills: Since strong drafting skills are key for this role, consider including examples of transaction documents you've worked on. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the complexities of private equity deals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our London office!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Private Equity Basics
Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of private equity and M&A. Understand the lifecycle of investments, from structuring to exits. Being able to discuss these concepts confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can apply them in real scenarios.
✨Research the Firm's Recent Transactions
Dive into the firm's recent deals and understand their strategic focus. Knowing specifics about their work in areas like public-to-private deals or cross-border transactions will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest in their practice.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in fast-paced environments. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed a transaction process or navigated complex negotiations. This will highlight your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Drafting Skills
Be ready to discuss your drafting experience and how you've contributed to key transaction documents. If possible, bring examples (while respecting confidentiality) to illustrate your capabilities. This will reinforce your suitability for the role and your attention to detail.
