A leading US law firm is looking for a Private Equity Associate (4–5 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 4–5 PQE associate (c. 2020–2021 qualified) 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).

• 4–5 PQE (typically 2020–2021 qualified).

• 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.