Corporate PE/M&A - 2-5PQE

Larson Maddox; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite US Law Firm in London is seeking a Corporate PE/M&A Associate with 2–5 PQE to join its market-leading Private Equity and M&A team. You will work on high-value, cross-border transactions for leading sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic corporates, gaining exceptional client exposure and hands-on experience from an early stage.

The role offers direct partner mentorship, extensive deal exposure, and the opportunity to develop in a prestigious corporate practice within a blue-chip firm.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years' post-qualification experience
• England & Wales qualified or equivalent common law qualification
• Experience at a leading UK, US or international law firm
• Strong exposure to private equity and/or M&A transactions
• Excellent technical, drafting and negotiation skills
• Commercially minded and thrives in fast-paced transactional environments

Responsibilities

• Advise on sponsor-side private equity transactions
• Handle UK and international M&A deals
• Involve in buyouts and growth investments
• Assist with portfolio company acquisitions and disposals
• Engage in joint ventures and strategic investments
• Provide general corporate advisory support

Skills

Private equity

M&A

Corporate law

Drafting skills

Commercial awareness

Education

England & Wales qualified

Job description

Corporate PE/M&A Associate (2-5PQE) | Elite US Law Firm | London

I am currently working with an elite US law firm that is looking to hire a talented Corporate Associate (2-5PQE) into its market-leading Private Equity and M&A team in London. This is a rare opportunity to join one of the most prestigious corporate practices in the market, acting on high-value, cross-border transactions for leading private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and strategic corporates. The team is consistently involved in some of the most sophisticated deals across the UK and Europe and offers associates exceptional levels of client exposure, responsibility and hands-on transactional experience from an early stage.

The Role

Working closely with highly regarded partners and senior lawyers, you will advise on a broad range of matters, including:

• Sponsor-side private equity transactions
• UK and international M&A deals
• Buyouts and growth investments
• Portfolio company acquisitions and disposals
• Joint ventures and strategic investments
• General corporate advisory matters

The role would particularly suit an associate seeking greater exposure to complex transactions and direct involvement in deal execution.

Candidate Requirements

• Have between 2 and 5 years' post-qualification experience
• Are England & Wales qualified or possess an equivalent common law qualification
• Have gained experience within a leading UK, US or international law firm
• Have strong exposure to private equity and/or M&A transactions
• Demonstrate excellent technical, drafting and negotiation skills
• Are commercially minded and thrive in fast-paced transactional environments

Candidates with strong sponsor-side experience are of particular interest, although high-calibre M&A associates with relevant private equity exposure are also encouraged to apply.

Why This Opportunity?

• Exposure to premium, headline-grabbing transactions
• A blue-chip sponsor and corporate client base
• Lean team structures with genuine responsibility from day one
• Direct partner interaction and mentorship
• Market-leading compensation
• Excellent long-term progression prospects

The firm continues to invest significantly in its London platform and the corporate practice remains a key strategic focus. For lawyers looking to accelerate their development, gain greater responsibility and work alongside some of the leading names in the private equity market, this represents an outstanding opportunity.