Senior Legal Counsel – Private Equity/Restructuring

Oliver James Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Group seeks a Senior Legal Counsel to join a leading global private equity investor's legal function, focusing on distressed transactions, complex restructurings and private equity‑style M&A. You will operate across the investment life cycle, advising on restructurings, post‑acquisition matters and governance while collaborating with investment, portfolio and operational teams.

This role offers a transition into a highly commercial, investment‑driven environment with exposure to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in restructuring, distressed M&A, or corporate M&A.
• Experience in advising complex corporate transactions and cross-border deals.
• Strong commercial awareness and interest in investment and operations of private equity.
• Ability to work directly with senior stakeholders and manage complex matters.

Responsibilities

• Advising on corporate restructurings, distressed situations and post-acquisition matters.
• Collaborating with investment and operations teams on portfolio transformation.
• Supporting governance, commercial matters and cross-border disputes across the portfolio.
• Managing external advisers on complex multi-jurisdictional matters.
• Developing legal frameworks and processes across portfolio businesses.
• Playing an active role in value creation initiatives alongside senior investment professionals.

Skills

Restructuring

Distressed M&A

Corporate M&A

In-house experience

Cross-border matters

Job description

Senior Legal Counsel - Private Equity | Restructuring & Distressed M&A

An opportunity to move beyond advising on transactions and start shaping the outcome.

Are you a Restructuring or Corporate M&A lawyer with experience advising on distressed transactions, complex restructurings or special situations?

We're partnering with a leading global private equity investor looking to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel to join its growing legal function.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to transition into a highly commercial, investment-focused environment, working directly alongside investment professionals, operational specialists and portfolio company management teams.

Unlike traditional in-house legal positions, this role offers genuine exposure to the operational side of private equity, supporting businesses through acquisitions, restructuring, transformation and ultimately exit.

The Opportunity

You'll work across a diverse portfolio of private equity investments, providing strategic and hands‑on legal support throughout the investment life‑cycle.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising on complex corporate restructurings, distressed situations and post‑acquisition matters.
• Working closely with investment and operational teams on portfolio company transformation projects.
• Supporting corporate governance, commercial legal matters and contentious situations across the portfolio.
• Managing external legal advisers on complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters.
• Developing and implementing legal frameworks and processes across portfolio businesses.
• Playing an active role in value creation initiatives, with exposure to senior investment professionals and management teams.

Who We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in speaking with lawyers who have:

• 5+ year's experience gained within a leading international law firm, private equity environment or in‑house legal function.
• A background in Restructuring, Distressed M&A, Special Situations or Corporate M&A.
• Experience advising on complex corporate transactions, restructurings or distressed businesses.
• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in the investment and operational aspects of private equity.
• The confidence to work directly with senior stakeholders and manage complex, cross‑border legal matters.
• Candidates currently practising within restructuring or corporate teams who are looking for their first in‑house opportunity are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Move closer to the investment decisions. Work alongside the professionals acquiring, managing and transforming businesses rather than advising solely from the outside.

Broaden your legal and commercial exposure. Gain experience across the entire investment life‑cycle, from acquisition and restructuring through to portfolio transformation and exit.

Make a tangible impact. Become directly involved in the strategic and operational decisions that drive value across private equity investments.

Build a long‑term career in private equity. Join an established global investment platform offering international exposure, meaningful responsibility and opportunities for progression.