Associate - Private Funds

Overview 

Our Private Funds team has an in-depth understanding of the private equity sector. Our funds expertise and experience complements and enhances our broader offering across a range of industry sectors including life sciences, TMT, financial services, energy and construction.  

Our Private Funds team has both scale and depth, providing expert, pragmatic and commercially-focused advice on an international basis. The core team is supported by our tax and financial services regulatory practices. Our strength in each of our specialist areas allows us to bring together an efficient and effective team for each matter. 

The attributes we are looking for are strong academics coupled with a real interest in business and commerce. You’ll have strong private funds experience gained from working in an international or leading UK firm, together with a sound understanding of the establishment, structuring, operation and ongoing regulation of investment funds. You’ll want to be a part of a diverse, hard-working and progressive team that you will play a key role in helping to grow.

Main Duties & Responsibilities 

We are now looking for an ambitious and commercially minded associate (1-3 PQE) with specialist Private Funds experience to join our growing FS Funds team. 

The successful candidate will work as part of our full service team of partners, associates, trainees and paralegals, advising asset managers, fund sponsors and investors on the establishment, structuring, operation and ongoing regulation of private investment funds. The work will include drafting and negotiating fund documentation, investor side letters and related investor communications, as well as supporting fundraising processes and ongoing fund matters. 

Candidates will have a good range of transactional private funds experience, ideally gained from working within an international or leading regional firm. Experience of closed-ended private funds, together with an ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in tax, financial services regulatory, corporate and other specialist teams, would be particularly valuable. 

Person specification 

• Excellent academics. 

• Applicants will ideally have 1-3 PQE, which will have been gained at another international or leading regional firm. 

• Strong private funds experience, ideally including the establishment, structuring and operation of closed-ended investment funds. 

• Strong client focus with an ability and willingness to get actively involved in marketing and business development. 

• Commercially driven and able to work effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team. 

• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required. 

Here at Simmons & Simmons 

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Key Highlights: 

• Competitive compensation package (including bonuses dependent on role/level) private medical insurance, and pension contribution. 

• A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees. 

• A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs. 

• Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions. 

• Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility. 

• Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists. 

• The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission. 

Equal opportunities 

We foster an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Requests for flexible working arrangements are supported (where possible), and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process. 

We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here. 

For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.