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- 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.
The Role
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
Sector Exposure
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
Why This Role
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 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 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 or colleagues. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in the field. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about learning from their experiences. Plus, if they like you, they might think of you when a position opens up!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge in private equity and corporate M&A. Whether it’s writing articles, sharing insights on social media, or even starting a blog, showing your expertise can make you stand out to potential employers.
✨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 joining the team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate, Private Equity - Leading Global Law Firm (5-9 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 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 your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your strong drafting and negotiation skills in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can manage complex, multi-party deals, so make sure to provide examples that demonstrate your capabilities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the attention you deserve. Plus, it’s super easy!
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 your experience with complex, multi-party deals. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are genuinely engaged with the field.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Border Experience
Since this role involves international aspects, be prepared to talk about any cross-border transactions you've worked on. Highlight your ability to coordinate with overseas counsel and manage diverse stakeholder groups. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the complexities of global deals.
✨Demonstrate Strong Drafting Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples where your drafting and negotiation skills made a difference in a transaction. Whether it’s incentive arrangements or exit processes, having concrete examples will illustrate your expertise and give the interviewers confidence in your abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the firm's practice areas and the role itself. Inquire about their approach to sector-specific challenges or how they support associates in managing high-value transactions. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the firm is the right fit for you.
