Counsel, PE and M&A

Aventum Search; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multi-strategy fund is looking for a mid-level lawyer qualified in England and Wales to join their private markets investment platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to transition from private practice to a front-line investing position, engaging in complex M&A transactions and strategic investments across various sectors. Candidates should have a strong legal background, ideally with experience in private equity, and possess excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years’ PQE from a top UK or US law firm.
• Extensive experience in M&A transactions.

Responsibilities

• Support the sourcing, structuring, and execution of control investments.
• Contribute to commercial diligence, financial modelling, and valuation processes.

Skills

Analytical

Communication

Relationship-Building

Education

PQE from a top UK or US law firm

Job description

Counsel, PE & M&A

A major multi-strategy fund is seeking an exceptional PEMA focused mid-level England and Wales qualified lawyer to join its growing private markets investment platform. This is a rare opportunity to move from private practice into a front-line investing role — working on control transactions in sectors where deep regulatory, legal, and structural complexity creates opportunities.

The team focuses on strategic investments in financial services, infrastructure, and legal and insurance-related businesses. As part of a lean, high-performing group, you’ll gain full exposure to live deals from day one, with responsibility across origination, deal phase management, execution, and portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the sourcing, structuring, and execution of control investments and complex M&A transactions
• Work on deals including carve-outs, take-privates, platform consolidations, and special situations
• Apply your legal and transactional experience to assess risk, structure deals, and navigate execution complexities
• Contribute to commercial diligence, financial modelling, and valuation processes
• Develop investment theses and post-acquisition value creation strategies
• Engage closely with senior investment professionals, operators, and portfolio company management teams
• Assist in identifying and executing bolt-on acquisitions to scale platforms
• Prepare investment papers and contribute to internal committee discussions and decisions

Candidate Profile:

• Mid Level: 3–6 years’ PQE from a top UK or US law firm (e.g. Magic Circle, Silver Circle, top-tier US firm) - more or less experience will be considered.
• Extensive experience in M&A transactions, ideally with exposure to private equity or complex cross-border deals;
• Strong interest in financial services, infrastructure, insurance, or adjacent regulated sectors;
• Excellent legal and commercial judgment, with a desire to move beyond legal advisory into active investment ownership;
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills;
• Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and high standards of execution.
• An institutional yet nimble platform with access to permanent capital and strategic flexibility.

Aventum Search is acting as a retained recruitment partner in relation to this vacancy. To register your interest, please use the apply now button to notify the hiring team.