Legal Counsel

Oliver James; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James in London is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its established legal team, focusing on private equity transactions. This in-house move offers exposure to the full investment life-cycle and close collaboration with investment teams.

Key duties include advising on M&A from structuring to completion, reviewing SPAs and SHAs, supporting transaction execution, and helping develop standard documents, playbooks, and cross-border initiatives.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years PQE in private equity or corporate M&A.
• Experience in advising on transactional documentation and risk management.
• Proactive and collaborative approach with investment teams.

Responsibilities

• Advise on M&A transactions from structuring through completion.
• Review and negotiate SPAs and SHAs.
• Support investment teams on transaction execution and legal risk management.
• Develop and standardize legal documents, playbooks, and processes.
• Contribute to cross-border transactions and legal technology initiatives.

Skills

Private equity

M&A

Legal drafting

Commercial awareness

Cross-border transactions

Job description

The client is seeking a Legal Counsel to join its established legal team in London, focusing on private equity transactions. This role offers an opportunity for a Corporate/M&A lawyer to transition in-house and gain exposure to the full investment life-cycle, working closely with experienced legal professionals and investment teams. The position involves supporting a broad range of private equity activities, including platform acquisitions, bolt-on investments, exits, and portfolio company matters.

Key responsibilities include advising on M&A transactions from initial structuring through to completion, reviewing and negotiating transaction documentation such as SPAs and SHAs, and supporting investment teams on transaction execution and legal risk management. The Legal Counsel will also contribute to the development and standardization of legal documentation, transaction playbooks, and internal processes, as well as participate in cross-border transactions and legal technology initiatives aimed at improving efficiency within the legal function.

The ideal candidate will have 2-4 years of post-qualification experience, preferably gained within a leading international or highly regarded corporate law firm, with strong transactional experience in private equity or broader corporate M&A. A proactive and collaborative approach, commercial awareness, and the confidence to engage with investment professionals are essential. The role offers exposure to high-quality transactional work, direct interaction with investment teams, structured career progression, and the opportunity to contribute to innovation within the legal function.