Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 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 London
✨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. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals already working in private equity or at law firms. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get insider tips on what firms are really looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to talk about your relevant experience and how it aligns with their needs. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your skills in private equity and M&A. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to finding the right fit in the private equity sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (1-4 PQE) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in private equity and corporate M&A. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or transactions you've worked on.
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 you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story that connects your background to the role.
Showcase Your Drafting Skills: Since strong drafting skills are key for this role, consider including examples of transaction documents you've worked on. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their ability to negotiate and draft effectively, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rutherford
✨Know Your Private Equity Basics
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of private equity and M&A. Understand the lifecycle of a deal, from structuring to execution, and be ready to discuss recent trends in the market. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the terms but are genuinely interested in the field.
✨Showcase Your Transaction Experience
Be prepared to talk about specific transactions you've worked on, especially those involving complex acquisitions or cross-border deals. Highlight your role in these transactions and how you contributed to their success. This will demonstrate your practical experience and ability to handle the responsibilities of the associate role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
In a fast-paced environment like private equity, being commercially minded is crucial. Think about how you can advise clients effectively and what strategies might work best for them. During the interview, share examples of how you've navigated commercial challenges in past roles to illustrate your understanding of client needs.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the firm's approach to private equity, their client base, and the types of transactions they handle. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the firm aligns with your career goals.
