At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on complex private equity transactions and collaborate with international teams.
- Company: Leading global law firm with a strong private equity practice in London.
- Benefits: Early responsibility, direct client exposure, and diverse transaction experience.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and work on high-value, impactful deals across various industries.
- Qualifications: Qualified solicitor with 5-9 PQE in private equity or corporate M&A.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a well-resourced, internationally connected environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client is a global law firm with a highly established private equity practice in London, advising financial sponsors, growth investors and institutional capital providers on complex UK and international transactions. The team operates as part of a broader corporate group of c.60 associates, delivering sponsor-focused advice across the full investment lifecycle.
The London private equity practice works closely with colleagues across multiple jurisdictions, enabling seamless execution on cross-border matters for investors deploying capital into new markets and for portfolio companies with international operations.
This position offers exposure to a broad range of sponsor-led and investor-driven work, spanning mid-market and larger-cap transactions. Associates are involved from initial structuring through execution and exit, with regular responsibility on transactions featuring multiple jurisdictions, stakeholder groups and financing elements.
The practice adopts a sector-led approach, combining private equity execution skills with industry-specific insight, allowing lawyers to provide commercially focused advice that goes beyond core transactional delivery.
Key Responsibilities- Advising private equity and growth capital investors on acquisitions, disposals and strategic investments
- Acting for portfolio companies and management teams on add-on acquisitions, reorganisations and recapitalisations
- Supporting leveraged and secondary transactions, including bolt-ons and sponsor-to-sponsor deals
- Working on transactions with UK, European and wider international elements, coordinating with overseas counsel
- Advising on incentive arrangements for senior management and equity participation structures
- Assisting on exit processes and broader lifecycle matters for sponsor-backed businesses
The team advises across a diverse range of industries, with particular depth in areas such as technology and software, healthcare, telecommunications, energy and infrastructure, and business services. Many matters sit at the intersection of private capital, operational assets and growth platforms.
Candidate Profile- Qualified solicitor in England & Wales or another common law jurisdiction
- 5-9 PQE
- Experience in private equity, corporate M&A or sponsor-side transactions gained at a UK or internationally recognised legal practice
- Comfortable working on complex, multi-party deals with international aspects
- Strong drafting and negotiation skills, with a commercial and solutions-focused mindset
- Ability to manage workstreams and collaborate effectively within cross-border teams
This is an opportunity to join a well-resourced and internationally connected private equity platform with strong sponsor relationships and a reputation for handling high-value, complex transactions. Associates benefit from early responsibility, direct client exposure and the ability to build long-term experience across both growth capital and traditional buyout work.
Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (5-9 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 (5-9 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 or colleagues who might have insights or connections.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and current market trends. We want you to be able to discuss complex transactions confidently, so practice articulating your thoughts on recent deals and sector developments.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with cross-border transactions. Highlight any international work you've done, as this role involves coordinating with overseas counsel. We love seeing candidates who can navigate multiple jurisdictions effortlessly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who fit the bill for exciting roles in private equity.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (5-9 PQE) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in private equity and corporate M&A, especially any work on complex, multi-party deals. 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 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 – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your strong drafting and negotiation skills. We’re looking for someone who can manage workstreams effectively, so give us examples of how you’ve collaborated within cross-border teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team!
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 private equity. Understand the nuances of sponsor-led transactions and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the firm's focus areas, like technology or healthcare.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Border Experience
Since this role involves international aspects, be prepared to talk about any cross-border deals you've worked on. Highlight your ability to coordinate with overseas counsel and manage complex, multi-party transactions.
✨Demonstrate Strong Drafting Skills
Be ready to provide examples of your drafting and negotiation skills. You might even want to bring a sample of your work to discuss during the interview, showcasing your commercial mindset and solutions-focused approach.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the firm's practice and its clients. Inquire about their approach to managing stakeholder relationships or how they navigate the complexities of international transactions.