Legal Counsel – Private Equity M&A

Oliver James Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Job summary

Oliver James Group is partnering with a leading European mid-market private equity firm to appoint a Legal Counsel in London. This is an in-house move for a high-calibre Corporate/M&A lawyer seeking a long-term investment lifecycle role.

You will support a broad range of private equity transactions, draft and negotiate SPAs and SHAs, coordinate with cross-border teams, and help standardise legal documentation and playbooks across the business.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years PQE in corporate/M&A, preferably in international or top-tier firms.
• Strong transactional background in private equity and/or corporate M&A.
• Excellent understanding of SPAs and SHAs.

Responsibilities

• Advising on M&A transactions across the investment life-cycle from structuring to completion.
• Reviewing, drafting, and negotiating SPAs, SHAs, and related agreements.
• Supporting investment teams on transaction execution, risk and portfolio matters.
• Developing standard documentation, playbooks, and internal processes.
• Collaborating on cross-border deals with external counsel and international stakeholders.
• Contributing to legal tech and AI initiatives to improve efficiency.

Skills

M&A/PE experience

Corporate/M&A transactions

Commercial awareness

Autonomous in-house adviser

Education

International qualifications

Job description

Are you an M&A/PE Associate looking to move closer to the investment process and build a long-term career within private equity? We are working with a leading European mid-market private equity firm looking to appoint a Legal Counsel to join its established London legal team. This is an excellent opportunity for a high-calibre Corporate/M&A lawyer to transition in-house, gaining exposure to the full investment life-cycle while working closely with experienced legal professionals and investment teams across the business.

The Opportunity

Working within a lean, highly regarded legal team, you will support a broad range of private equity transactions, including platform acquisitions, bolt-on investments, exits and portfolio company matters.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Advising on M&A transactions across the investment life-cycle, from initial structuring through to completion.
• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating key transaction documentation, including SPAs, SHAs and ancillary agreements.
• Supporting investment teams on transaction execution, legal risk and portfolio company matters.
• Developing and standardising legal documentation, transaction playbooks and internal processes.
• Working on cross-border transactions alongside external counsel and international stakeholders.
• Contributing to legal technology and AI initiatives to improve efficiency across the legal function.

About You

We are particularly interested in speaking with lawyers who offer:

• 2-4 year's PQE, ideally gained within a leading international or highly regarded corporate law firm.
• Strong transactional experience in private equity and/or broader corporate M&A.
• Excellent technical understanding of transaction documentation, particularly SPAs and SHAs.
• Commercial awareness, intellectual curiosity and the confidence to engage with investment professionals.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and an appetite to develop into an autonomous in-house adviser.
• Candidates with relevant international qualifications will also be considered.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• High-quality transactional work: Exposure to a varied pipeline of European mid-market private equity investments.
• Closer to the business: Work directly with investment professionals and gain a broader commercial understanding of transactions.
• Genuine career progression: A structured pathway through VP, SVP and Principal levels, with longer-term progression opportunities.
• Attractive compensation: Base salary up to £150,000, performance-related bonus and potential participation in the firm's carried interest scheme.
• Innovation: Opportunity to help shape the use of legal technology and AI within an established investment platform.