A leading US law firm is looking for a Private Equity Associate (2–6 PQE) to join its London M&A practice. The team advises leading private equity and financial sponsor clients on complex cross-border transactions, including leveraged buyouts, carve-outs, co-investments, consortium deals, public-to-private transactions and distressed acquisitions.
This is a highly selective and strategic hire, offering the opportunity to join a fast-growing and high-profile platform with significant deal flow and strong partner involvement. The role is ideally suited to a 2–6 PQE associate with strong sponsor-side experience and a desire to work on sophisticated international transactions within a top-tier US practice.
What You’ll Do
• Advise private equity sponsors on UK and cross-border acquisitions and disposals.
• Support complex leveraged buyouts, carve-outs, co-investments and consortium transactions.
• Draft and negotiate key transaction documentation, including SPAs, shareholder agreements and ancillary documents.
• Work closely with finance, tax and regulatory teams on multi-disciplinary mandates.
• Take on increasing responsibility in managing deal processes and coordinating with international counsel.
• Gain early exposure across Private Equity, Private M&A and Public M&A matters before specialising.
• Engage directly with sophisticated sponsor clients and senior stakeholders.
About You
• England & Wales qualified solicitor (preferred).
• 2–6 PQE
• Experience gained at an elite US, Magic Circle or leading international firm.
• Strong Private Equity deal experience is essential.
• Candidates with predominantly Public M&A experience should demonstrate a clear and credible commitment to Private Equity.
• Technically strong, commercially aware and confident in articulating complex deal experience.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-performance environment with significant responsibility.
Why Apply?
• Compensation aligned with Cravath scale.
• Performance-related bonus structure.
• Hybrid working model with work-from-home option on Fridays.
• Opportunity to join a high-profile and growing M&A platform under strong partner leadership.
• Exposure to premium sponsor clients and complex cross-border transactions.
• Early breadth of experience across PE and Public M&A before specialising.
• Highly selective team with a strong internal reputation and clear progression for top performers.
• Collaborative environment with significant partner engagement.
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