At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on high-profile private equity transactions and work on market-defining deals.
- Company: Join a top-tier international law firm with a renowned private equity practice.
- Benefits: Gain early responsibility, direct partner access, and elite private equity training.
- Why this job: Develop world-class expertise while working on complex, impactful transactions.
- Qualifications: NQ-3 PQE corporate experience with strong drafting and analytical skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Rutherford is partnered with a top-tier international law firm with a globally renowned private equity practice to recruit a Corporate Private Equity Solicitor (NQ–3 PQE) for its London office. The team advises leading global private equity sponsors, institutional investors, and management teams on some of the most high-profile and complex transactions in the UK and European market.
You’ll work on market-defining deals across the full private equity lifecycle, from large-scale leveraged buyouts and public-to-private takeovers to growth equity investments, restructurings, and exits. This is an outstanding opportunity for a junior associate to gain exposure to headline transactions and develop world-class private equity expertise in a fast-paced, high-calibre environment.
Key responsibilities- Advise on public-to-private takeovers of UK and European listed companies.
- Support large leveraged buyouts, often with enterprise values in excess of £500m.
- Work on consortium and club deals involving multiple sponsors and institutional co-investors.
- Advise on acquisitions of private companies, carve-outs from corporates, and platform investments with add-on acquisitions.
- Support growth equity, minority investments, and structured equity transactions, including governance-heavy deals.
- Assist on sponsor-led recapitalisations, partial exits, secondary buyouts, and IPO-related exits.
- Advise on distressed and special situations transactions, including control transactions arising out of restructurings.
- Work on GP-stakes investments, asset management platform acquisitions, and minority sales of management companies.
- NQ–3 PQE corporate experience, ideally with exposure to private equity, M&A, or complex corporate transactions with a top tier City or international law firm.
- Strong technical foundation and interest in sponsor-led and investment-driven deals.
- Excellent drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
- Commercial mindset and confidence working with sophisticated global clients.
- Collaborative approach and appetite for responsibility from an early stage.
You’ll join one of the world’s most highly regarded private equity practices, consistently acting on headline transactions for top-tier sponsors and institutional investors. The team is known for its technical excellence, intense deal exposure, and direct partner access, offering an unparalleled platform for developing elite private equity capability. This role provides early responsibility, exposure to market-shaping deals, and a clear pathway to becoming a leading private equity lawyer within a truly global firm.
If this has caught your interest, I’d love to hear from you. You can apply via the link or contact me directly at pascale@rutherfordsearch.com or 020 3778 2207.
Corporate Private Equity Solicitor (NQ-3 PQE) in City of London employer: Rutherford
Contact Detail:
Rutherford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Corporate Private Equity Solicitor (NQ-3 PQE) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the private equity scene. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, 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 private equity.
✨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! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Corporate Private Equity Solicitor (NQ-3 PQE) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Corporate Private Equity Solicitor role. Highlight your NQ-3 PQE experience and any relevant private equity or M&A work you've done. We want to see how your skills align with the job description!
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 the team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your excellent drafting, analytical, and negotiation skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, so give us examples of when you’ve done just that!
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 Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of private equity, M&A, and corporate transactions. Familiarise yourself with recent high-profile deals and trends in the market. This will not only show your interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities by discussing past experiences where you've tackled complex problems or transactions. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you arrived at your conclusions. This is crucial for a role that involves advising on intricate deals.
✨Practice Your Drafting and Negotiation Techniques
Since excellent drafting and negotiation skills are key for this position, consider bringing examples of your work or discussing scenarios where you successfully negotiated terms. Practising these skills beforehand can give you the confidence to articulate your capabilities effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked in teams, especially in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to take responsibility and contribute positively to group dynamics.