Associate - Private Equity in London

Private Equity Associate – Elite US Law Firm – 1-5 PQE

About the Firm

This leading US law firm has a reputation for advising on the most complex and high-value transactions globally. Frequently ranked at the top of the market in all major league tables and directories, the firm offers an integrated cross-border platform with significant exposure to private equity, M&A, and financial sponsor work. The London office serves as a core hub for European operations, maintaining a strong, collaborative culture and providing exceptional training and development alongside cutting-edge legal work. With a proven track record of advising on marquee deals and a clear commitment to investing in its people, this is an opportunity to join a firm that truly sets the standard for excellence.

The Role

You will join the firm’s dynamic Corporate practice, one of the most respected private equity teams globally. This practice focuses on advising financial sponsors and their portfolio companies through all phases of the investment lifecycle – including leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, bolt-on acquisitions, management incentive plans, restructurings, and exits. Expect to work on highly sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional transactions with complex deal structures and tight timelines.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting on major private equity transactions with international sponsors.
• Drafting, negotiating, and advising on SPAs, shareholders’ agreements, management incentive arrangements, and all ancillary deal documentation.
• Taking ownership of workstreams across diligence review, structuring, signing, and closing.
• Advising clients on bespoke commercial solutions and high-value negotiation points.
• Collaborating with colleagues across the London office and global network on cross-border deals.

This is an exciting opportunity for an associate who enjoys high-end transactional work in a fast-paced, intellectually challenging environment.

What They’re Looking For

• 1-5 years’ post-qualification experience in corporate transactions, ideally with strong exposure to private equity and financial sponsor mandates.
• Proven experience drafting and negotiating complex SPAs and related documentation.
• Familiarity with locked box and completion accounts, management incentive structures, and leaver provisions.
• Strong technical ability combined with excellent drafting, analytic skills, and commercial judgement.
• Ability to lead specific workstreams and provide solutions under pressure.
• A high level of client-facing confidence and interpersonal skills suited to a demanding environment.
• Outstanding academics and a demonstrable commitment to technical excellence.
• Experience gained at a leading international or UK firm, ideally in London or another major legal centre.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a market-leading US law firm where you will work on top-tier private equity deals for major financial sponsors. The firm offers top of market remuneration, an attractive bonus scheme, best-in-class training, mentoring programmes, and clear progression opportunities. You will operate within a collaborative and high-performance team culture in a role that provides maximum exposure to complex and strategic transactions across Europe and globally.

Apply now to be considered, or email the job poster directly to arrange a confidential discussion if you would like further details before making an application.