Associate, Corporate M&A - Leading International Law Firm (3-5 PQE) in London Area

Job description

Our client, a highly regarded international law firm with a strong corporate offering, is seeking a mid-level Corporate M&A Associate to join its busy London team. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a broad range of complex, high-value transactions involving both UK-listed and international businesses.

Role Overview

The successful candidate will play a central role in the execution of significant public and private M&A deals, including joint ventures and restructurings. Associates are expected to contribute at all stages of the deal cycle – from structuring and due diligence through to drafting key documents and managing closings.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on the interpretation and application of the UK Takeover Code and Listing Rules.
• Preparing key documents for listed company transactions, including circulars and public offer documents.
• Drafting and negotiating a range of corporate agreements, such as SPAs, JV agreements, disclosure letters, and restructuring documentation.
• Leading due diligence exercises, identifying risks, and presenting findings clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Working closely with colleagues across departments to deliver integrated legal and commercial advice.
• Acting as a key point of contact for clients, other advisors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring smooth coordination of large transactions.

Candidate Profile

• England & Wales qualified solicitor with 3–5 years’ PQE in corporate M&A, ideally gained at a leading international or City firm.
• Demonstrable experience of advising on both public and private M&A transactions.
• Familiarity with the UK Takeover Code and Listing Rules.
• Strong drafting, technical and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams under time pressure.
• Proactive, commercially minded, and comfortable working directly with clients.
• A team player, keen to take responsibility, mentor juniors, and contribute to a collaborative practice.
• Interest in cross-border deals and the ability to adapt to different transaction dynamics.

Why Apply?

This role offers the chance to work on some of the most high-profile transactions in the market, while being part of a supportive and dynamic team. Associates are given excellent levels of responsibility and client exposure, alongside strong career development prospects.

Rutherford is a leading legal recruiter that also works closely with tier one sponsors, buyside firms and investment banks for in-house roles. Please get in contact if you would like to be alerted to the most exciting Counsel opportunities.

To find more of our jobs please visit our website:

https://www.rutherfordsearch.com/jobs

Job Reference: NWC3746

Keywords: Corporate M&A, public takeovers, private M&A, Takeover Code, Listing Rules, joint ventures, restructuring, 3-5PQE, London, international law firm, cross-border transactions.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London Area

Type of Contract

Part-time jobs

Published at

09-10-2025

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English