Corporate M&A / Private Equity Associate – NQ–3 PQE
A prestigious international law firm is seeking to expand its highly respected Corporate M&A and Private Equity group with the addition of a bright, ambitious Associate. This is a rare opening at a firm known for acting on some of the most complex and high-value transactions in the global market, and the role has been released to only a small number of recruiters.
The team sits within a well-established and exceptionally well-resourced corporate practice comprising six partners, three counsel, two special counsel and fifteen associates. The group prides itself on a collaborative, inclusive culture very far from “dog-eat-dog” where partners are approachable, juniors are genuinely supported, and talent is recognised early. Several new associates are joining in December, reflecting the group’s sustained growth and strong pipeline of mandates.
The practice handles a sophisticated mix of domestic and cross-border M&A, private equity and strategic corporate transactions. Associates are exposed to headline deals across a broad range of industries, including big-ticket buyouts, complex carve-outs, joint ventures, secondary transactions and strategic acquisitions for major corporates and leading private equity houses. The work is fast-paced, intellectually challenging and highly international, offering associates meaningful responsibility from the outset. The firm is known for exceptional training and development, including access to its US-based professional development platform, which allows associates to tailor training to their own ambitions.
CSR engagement is also valued, with 14 hours of qualifying volunteer work counting towards annual hours. The team has a strong track record of developing lawyers into senior roles, with numerous internal success stories and consistent partner exposure on every transaction.
Who We’re Looking For
* NQ–3 PQE (1–2 PQE ideal).
* England & Wales qualified.
* Background from top Corporate/M&A, Private Equity practice at an private practice firm
* Hard-working, grounded, modest and ambitious, with strong technical ability.
* Someone who works well in a collaborative, non-ego environment and thrives on high-intensity transactional work.
Working Model & Package
* Hybrid structure with three days per week in the London office.
* Target hours: 1,800 annually.
* Market-leading salary (e.g., NQ £173k; 1PQE £175k; 2PQE £186k).
* Cravath-aligned bonus structure: partial bonus at 1,800 hours; full bonus at 2,000.