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Private Equity M&A Associate - Elite international law firm (2-4PQE)

UK&I - London
Permanent
£150k - £250k
Most PE associates at the 2-4 PQE mark face the same trade-off: stay at an elite shop and run on fumes, or drop to a mid-market practice just to get a predictable evening.
This role avoids that compromise.
We are working exclusively with a leading international firm looking to bring on a mid-level associate for their London private equity practice. The work is high-end financial sponsor M&A focused on the upper mid-market, covering platform buyouts, carve-outs, co-investments, and bolt-ons.
The differentiator is partner group. They are widely regarded in the London market not just for a strong deal sheet, but for how they actually run their team.
  • Real mentorship: You often work directly with the lead partner rather than reporting up through multiple layers of senior associates. You get brought into negotiations early, trained on deal tactics, and given genuine visibility with sponsor deal teams.
  • Sensible hours culture: While it is still a front-line private equity practice and deals have crunches, the team manages workflow realistically. You will not face manufactured deadlines, face-time culture, or unnecessary late-night fire drills.
  • No black box progression: High retention, zero sharp elbows, and a very flat, supportive team dynamic.
Who they want to speak with:
  • 2-4 PQE (England & Wales qualified with London PE experience).
  • Solid background in sponsor-backed private equity M&A from a reputable City, US, or magic/silver circle practice.
  • Confident on the core drafting and commercial mechanics (locked-box, W&I, leakages, equity structures).
  • Someone looking for a collegiate team where long-term career progression does not come at the expense of day-to-day sanity.
This is a team I have placed into multiple times, know well, and have a high level of confidence that it is an excellent option in today's market.
Interested in finding out more?
Drop me a line or send across your CV in complete confidence. We will walk through the partner background, team dynamics, and client base before anything goes anywhere.
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HIRING SPECIALIST
Eden Brown
Associate Director
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