Associate

Watson Farley & Williams; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Wellbeing package

Job summary

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with deep expertise across energy, infrastructure and transport. The Corporate Group handles domestic and international M&A, corporate finance, private equity and venture capital, advising PE funds and major clients on high-value deals.

The firm promotes agility and flexible working, with structured training programmes such as WFW University, MBF and Partner Candidate schemes.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor in England & Wales with 3–5 years post-qualification experience in corporate departments.
• Strong technical skills in corporate transactions; autonomous, client-focused service.

Responsibilities

• Work on domestic and international M&A, corporate finance, private equity and venture capital, strategic projects and alliances, and general corporate and commercial advice.
• Support and develop sector expertise within Energy, Infrastructure and Transport.
• Engage in business development, client secondments, and career progression through structured training programmes.

Skills

Corporate transactions

Autonomous working

Client service

Education

Qualified Solicitor in England & Wales

Job description

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

The department

The Corporate Group provides transactional and advisory services across key sectors, particularly Energy (including renewables and energy transition), Infrastructure and Transport. The team advises a wide range of clients, from private equity and infrastructure funds to major public and private companies, on high-value, complex transactions, including many of the most high-profile deals in these sectors.

Work spans domestic and international M&A, corporate finance, private equity and venture capital, strategic projects and alliances, as well as general corporate and commercial advice.

Associates gain exposure to a broad range of work, with opportunities to develop sector expertise over time. The group also supports business development, client secondments, and career progression through structured training programmes, including WFW University, MBF, Senior Associate and Partner Candidate schemes.

Skills and experience – desired

• Qualification as a Solicitor in England & Wales or other common law jurisdiction.
• Around 3-5 years’ post-qualification experience working in the corporate department of a City, international, or leading regional law firm.
• Proven technical legal skills in corporate transactions, with experience or an interest in one of our industry sectors being beneficial (but, depending on the candidate, not a prerequisite).
• The experience and ability to operate autonomously.
• A hands-on, flexible attitude to providing high quality client service.

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Additional information

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

Equal opportunities

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact [e-mail] .