Private Equity Associate

Overview

A leading US law firm is seeking two outstanding associates to join its London Private Equity team. This is a rare opportunity to join a highly selective, partner-led practice with exceptional deal flow, elite compensation and genuine responsibility from day one.

The team advises leading private equity sponsors and corporate clients on complex domestic and cross-border transactions, with associates working directly alongside partners on high-profile matters. The successful candidate will combine strong private equity and M&A experience with the commercial judgement and confidence to thrive in a lean, high-performing environment.

The Role

You will advise on a broad range of sponsor-led transactions, including:

• Private equity acquisitions and disposals
• Cross-border M&A transactions
• Portfolio company investments and exits
• Management equity and incentive arrangements
• General corporate advisory matters arising from sponsor-backed businesses

This role offers significant client exposure and the opportunity to take ownership of key workstreams on sophisticated transactions from an early stage.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• 1–5 years’ post-qualification experience, ideally 2–4 PQE
• Training and qualification at a Magic Circle, elite US or comparable top-tier international law firm
• Strong private equity and/or sponsor-side M&A experience
• Experience acting on complex UK and international transactions
• Broad corporate exposure beyond pure M&A is advantageous
• Commercial awareness, strong technical skills and a collaborative approach

Exceptional candidates outside the preferred PQE range will also be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a highly selective private equity practice with a strong appetite for top-tier talent
• Work directly with partners in a lean team structure, gaining exceptional exposure and responsibility
• Advise on premium sponsor-driven transactions for leading market participants
• Access elite US compensation and a competitive bonus structure
• Benefit from substantial investment in training, mentoring and professional development
• Potential opportunities for international and client secondments
• Work within a collaborative, high-performance culture that values both excellence and teamwork

The Package

• Cravath-scale compensation
• Competitive year-end and additional bonus opportunities
• Market-leading benefits package
• Hybrid working model

Process

The interview process typically consists of two to three stages, including partner meetings and further technical or informal discussions depending on seniority.

Apply

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity and the wider platform, please get in touch. We have strong insight into the team, hiring process and culture, allowing us to provide candidates with a detailed understanding of the opportunity before engaging formally.