Corporate Associate

Leading Independent Firm | Corporate M&A Associate | 3+ Years PQE

Join one of the largest Corporate M&A teams outside London, building your career on complex, market-leading transactions for an exceptional client base, within a firm repeatedly voted the best place to work in the UK.

The Firm
This is a top-tier independent UK firm, headquartered outside London with a growing national and international footprint. It combines the scale and deal-flow quality of a major practice with a genuinely progressive, people-first culture. The firm holds the highest Investors in People Platinum accreditation and has been repeatedly voted the best law firm to work at by its own people.

The environment is professional yet open, collaborative, and free from the postcode-driven hierarchy found in some City firms. Hybrid working is fully embedded, and wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainable careers are not just policies, they are demonstrable and celebrated.

The Team
The Corporate M&A team is one of the strongest outside London, regularly described as going "toe to toe with London firms" and praised for its excellent, highly professional and sound advice. The team handles a broad mix of public and private mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, and equity capital markets work, both in the UK and internationally.

The client list speaks for itself: household names, major financial institutions, and high-growth businesses, with an aggregate yearly deal value exceeding £3 billion. You will work on matters that are complex, high-value, and genuinely market-leading.

The Role
As an Associate, you will work as an integral part of deal teams, gaining hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of M&A and private equity transactions. You will take responsibility for discrete workstreams, manage due diligence, draft and negotiate key documents, and build direct client contact from an early stage. You will be supported and supervised by senior associates and partners who are invested in your development, with a true open-door culture that encourages questions and learning.

You will also benefit from the firm's award-winning approach to career development, with structured training, clear progression milestones, and a strong pathway to senior roles. The firm's reputation for promoting from within is not just a promise, it is reflected in its track record.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified solicitor with 3+ years' PQE in Corporate M&A and private equity

• Solid transactional experience, with good drafting skills and an eye for commercial detail

• A proactive, enthusiastic approach, with a willingness to learn and take ownership

• A collaborative team player, comfortable building working relationships with clients and colleagues alike

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines on multiple matters

What's on Offer

• A seat in one of the largest Corporate M&A teams outside London, with high-value, varied deal flow

• Investment in your development, with structured career progression and a track record of internal promotion

• A supportive, award-winning culture with a proven commitment to work-life balance and wellbeing

• High levels of flexibility, including hybrid working

• Market leading salary and a comprehensive benefits package

• The rare combination of top-tier work and a highly sustainable career path

Apply now for immediate consideration.