Associate - Private Funds

Simmons & Simmons; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Bristol seeks a Private Funds Associate with 2-5 years' PQE. You'll support senior lawyers on various fund-related matters, including drafting and negotiating key documents. This role offers a competitive compensation package, a hybrid working model, and a vibrant culture emphasizing diversity and innovative learning opportunities. You will collaborate closely across disciplines to deliver clients tailored solutions, fostering strong client relationships and contributing to impactful projects.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Private medical insurance

Pension contribution

Global skills academy for learning

Vibrant social and sports committees

Qualifications

• 2-5 years' PQE, specializing in private funds.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating fund documentation.
• Exposure to cross-border fund structures desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support senior lawyers on structuring, documentation, and launch of funds.
• Draft and negotiate key fund documents such as LPAs and IMAs.
• Collaborate with fund finance, tax, and transactional teams.

Skills

Private funds/fund formation expertise

Drafting and negotiating fund documentation

Interest in fund managers and institutional investors

Job description

Our Private Funds team is a market-leading, fully integrated practice within our Asset Management & Investment Funds group. We advise on the full lifecycle of private investment funds - including private equity, credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital, hedge, and bespoke structures - across multiple jurisdictions such as the UK, Europe (Ireland/Luxembourg), Cayman, and more. We support a wide range of clients, including global fund managers, institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and service providers. Key services include fund structuring and launch, tax structuring, fund finance, fund documentation (LPAs, IMAs, side letters), strategic structures like funds-of-one and parallel vehicles, and cross-border fund registrations. Our team collaborates closely across disciplines - tax, finance, ESG, and transactional - leveraging over 250 lawyers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We are consistently top-ranked by Chambers and Legal 500. We are seeking a talented Private Funds Associate (2-5 PQE) to join our Bristol office. You will work on a wide range of private funds matters, supporting senior lawyers on the structuring, documentation, and launch of funds across asset classes including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and venture capital. Your work will include drafting and negotiating key fund documents such as limited partnership agreements, investment management agreements, and side letters, as well as assisting with bespoke structures like funds-of-one and parallel vehicles. You will also collaborate with colleagues across fund finance, tax, and transactional teams to deliver seamless, commercially focused solutions and maintain strong client relationships. Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone's voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You'll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible. We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.

• 2-5 years' PQE, specialising in private funds/fund formation.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating fund documentation.
• Exposure to cross-border fund structures and offshore jurisdictions desirable.
• Familiarity with secondaries transactions and portfolio sales advantageous.
• Strong interest in working with fund managers and institutional investors.
  Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.