Our client, a prestigious international law firm, is seeking an ambitious Associate to join its highly active Private Equity practice in London. This opportunity offers direct exposure to some of the most significant sponsor-side M&A and investment transactions in the market. The successful candidate will work alongside a team of leading partners on a wide range of complex, cross-border private equity deals.
The Opportunity
* Join a dynamic and growing Private Equity team within a top-tier global law firm known for handling large-scale, sponsor-led transactions.
* Work directly with a deep bench of senior partners, each recognised for their expertise in high-value leveraged buyouts, take-privates, and strategic investments.
* Gain exposure to market-leading private equity clients across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, engaging in fast-paced, high-stakes deals.
* Benefit from an environment that combines U.S. market sophistication with London-based execution, offering exceptional training and cross-border exposure.
The Team
* The Private Equity group sits within a wider Corporate department of c.120 lawyers, collaborating seamlessly across offices worldwide.
* Partners in London are widely recognised for advising major sponsors and institutional investors on buyouts, disposals, and portfolio company transactions.
* The team frequently works on matters involving multi-jurisdictional structuring, complex financing overlays, and strategic exits for global investment firms.
* A strong pipeline of work reflects the group’s rapid growth and client demand for high-end sponsor representation in Europe.
Key Responsibilities
* Advise on leveraged buyouts, acquisitions, disposals, and joint ventures for leading private equity sponsors and portfolio companies.
* Manage the full lifecycle of transactions, including structuring, due diligence, drafting, and negotiation.
* Support on cross-border financings, carve-outs, and take-private deals, coordinating with specialists across multiple jurisdictions.
* Collaborate closely with clients’ deal teams, offering commercially focused, strategic advice aligned with their investment objectives.
* Contribute to business development initiatives and client relationship management within a high-performing, entrepreneurial team.
About You
* E&W or Common Law Qualified Solicitor, with UK market experience
* NQ–8 PQE, with strong experience in private equity, M&A, or leveraged transactions gained at a leading international or City firm.
* Excellent academic background and rigorous legal training.
* Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex workstreams under time pressure.
* A genuine interest in the private equity industry and familiarity with sponsor-side deal dynamics.
* Comfortable working on multi-jurisdictional matters and liaising across different practice areas.
* Confident communicator who enjoys client contact and thrives in a collaborative, high-performance environment.
Why This Role
* A chance to work on headline-making transactions for leading global investment firms.
* Exposure to both U.S. and European private equity deal structures, offering career development on an international scale.
* Highly competitive remuneration and a clear path for progression within a firm experiencing significant growth in London.
* Ideal for lawyers seeking cutting-edge sponsor-side experience within a fast-expanding, top-tier platform.
Rutherford is a leading legal recruiter that also works closely with tier one sponsors, buyside firms and investment banks for in-house roles. Please get in contact if you would like to be alerted to the most exciting Counsel opportunities.
To find more of our jobs please visit our website: https://www.rutherfordsearch.com/jobs
Job Reference: NWC8874
Keywords:
Private equity, M&A, leveraged buyouts, sponsor-side transactions, cross-border acquisitions, corporate law, NQ–8 PQE, take-privates, investment funds, London, high-value deals, buyouts, portfolio transactions, international law firm.