Private Equity M&A Associate 1-2 PQE

Looking to step up your private equity practice? A high-performing London M&A group at a top-tier US firm is looking for a 1-2 PQE associate to join the team.

This isn't a factory model. The corporate practice is intentionally tight-knit and actively expanding, meaning you won't spend your time managing document reviews or sitting behind five layers of senior lawyers. You'll be on the front lines of high-value European LBOs and cross-border transactions, working directly with partners who actually take the time to train you.

The Role

• Take primary responsibility for drafting and running core transaction documents, including SPAs, SHAs, disclosure letters, and management equity packages.
• Lead day-to-day deal management across complex sponsor-backed buyouts, bolt-on acquisitions, co-investments, and carve-outs.
• Deal directly with financial sponsors, portfolio company management teams, and opposing counsel.

What the Team Offers

• Genuine Mentorship: Direct, daily partner contact. You'll get real feedback, deal coaching, and structured guidance to sharpen your commercial edge.
• Hands-On Exposure: Small deal teams mean high visibility. You'll run workstreams, take lead roles in negotiations, and get the practical experience needed to progress quickly.
• Top-Tier Work: Complex, market-defining PE transactions without the internal bureaucracy of larger, overly layered departments.
• Top-of-Market Pay: Full US Cravath-scale compensation with elite bonuses.

What They're Looking For

• Qualified solicitor (England & Wales or equivalent common law jurisdiction) with 1 to 2 years of post-qualification experience (2024 or 2025 qual).
• Solid background in private equity M&A or main corporate/M&A from a recognised Magic Circle, Silver Circle, or US firm in London.
• Strong technical drafting, good commercial instincts, and the confidence to own deal streams.