2020-2022 qualified Private Equity M&A associate
UK&I - London
Contract
£150k - £250k
Ready to step into a lead role on mid-to-upper market transactions? An established, fast-growing London PE practice at a leading US firm is looking for a senior associate to drive complex sponsor deals.
This practice is structured to give you real leverage. Teams are kept lean by design, offering direct deal execution experience, high client touch, and a genuine career trajectory without unnecessary administrative layers or internal politics.
The Role
Act as primary associate lead on mid-market and large-cap sponsor buyouts, carve-outs, joint ventures, and public-to-private transactions across Europe.
Lead negotiations on primary deal docs (SPAs, SHAs, investment agreements) and drive commercial conversations alongside PE clients.
Supervise, mentor, and delegate to junior associates and trainees while maintaining direct, daily partner contact.
Play an active role in business development and building relationships with PE deal teams, founders, and co-investors.
What the Team Offers
Clear Career Runway: High-performing senior associates are brought in with a clear view toward promotion. No artificial ceilings or endless counsel holding patterns.
True Ownership: You won't just be tracking execution-you will lead negotiations, own client relationships, and run key commercial workstreams.
Top-Tier Sponsor Work: Exposure to sophisticated global funds, growth equity, and mid-market sponsors handling mid-to-upper market buyouts.
Top-of-Market Pay: Top-tier US Cravath-scale compensation with significant annual bonus upside.
What They're Looking For
Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent common law jurisdiction) with 4 to 6 years of post-qualification experience (2020-2022 qual).
Deep experience in sponsor-side PE M&A from a recognized Magic Circle, Silver Circle, or top US practice in London.
Strong negotiation skill, mature commercial instincts, and the ability to run multi-jurisdictional LBOs with minimal partner oversight.
Interested in a confidential chat to discuss the firm, team structure, and compensation? Send over your CV to set up a call.
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HIRING SPECIALIST
Eden Brown
Associate Director
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