Corporate Lawyer

Buchanan Law; England; Hybrid; GBP 173,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier US law firm in London is looking for NQ to 3 PQE M&A & Private Equity associates. This role offers early responsibility and exposure to high-quality transactions in a collaborative environment. Candidates should have strong tier 1 M&A/PE experience and a solid work ethic. The firm emphasizes professional development with a structured training program. The role supports hybrid working and offers competitive salary and bonus aligned with top US benchmarks.

Benefits

Structured internal development programme

Up to 14 hours of CSR work counts towards billable hours

Qualifications

• NQ–3 PQE.
• Strong M&A / PE experience from a Tier 1 practice.
• Comfortable taking responsibility early.

Responsibilities

• Involvement in drafting, negotiations, and deal management.
• Working alongside market-leading partners.
• Joining a culture-driven and collaborative team.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Commercial mindset

Collaborative

Grounded and team-oriented

Ambitious but not status-driven

Education

England & Wales qualified

Tools

Strong M&A / PE experience from a Tier 1 practice

Job description

M&A & Private Equity Lawyer - London

I’m working with a top-tier US law firm in London that has just gone live with a search for two junior M&A / Private Equity associates. This is a standout opportunity for an NQ to 3 PQE lawyer who wants early responsibility, close partner exposure, and genuinely top-of-the-market work, without compromising on culture.

The team continues to grow steadily and sustainably, with several new joiners coming on board this year, and this hire forms part of a broader plan to invest in junior talent and long-term development.

The core M&A / PE team is made up of around 26 lawyers, including a strong partner group supported by senior lawyers and a healthy associate bench. Despite the quality and intensity of the work, the team is deliberately not overgrown, which allows junior associates to be visible, trusted, and meaningfully involved in transactions from an early stage. Culture is a major priority. The partners are clear they value people who are hardworking, down to earth, modest, and ambitious, and who want to be part of a collaborative, high-performing group. This is very much not a dog-eat-dog environment. The firm’s reputation and deal sheet speak for themselves, and there is no need for ego internally.

Retention and progression are strong, with clear examples of associates developing through the team and taking on increasing levels of responsibility over time.

Associates are exposed to high-end M&A and private equity transactions for top-tier sponsors and corporates, working alongside market-leading partners. Because the team is intentionally lean, junior lawyers are given real responsibility early on, including direct involvement in drafting, negotiations, and deal management, rather than being confined to narrow workstreams.

The firm places significant emphasis on training and professional development. Associates have access to a structured internal development programme, including a well-established US-based training platform, alongside a dedicated professional development team. Importantly, participation is not prescriptive; associates are encouraged to take ownership of their development and use the resources in a way that suits their individual career goals.

Candidate Profile

• NQ–3 PQE
• England & Wales qualified
• Background : Strong M&A / PE experience from a Tier 1 practice (including leading City firms and top US platforms)
• Strong work ethic and commercial mindset
• Comfortable taking responsibility early
• Collaborative, grounded, and team-oriented
• Ambitious but not status-driven

Working Pattern & Compensation

• Hybrid working : 3 days per week in the office
• Target hours : 1,800 per year

Salary

• NQ : £173,000
• 1 PQE : £175,000
• 2 PQE : £186,000

Bonus

• Partial bonus from 1,800 hours
• Full bonus at 2,000 hours
• Bonus levels aligned with top US (Cravath) benchmarks

In addition, up to 14 hours of CSR / charity work counts towards billable hours, which is a genuine and well-used benefit within the team.