Associate - Corporate

Our Private Markets team sits at the heart of our Corporate offering and specialises in complex, often cross-border transactions. We work collaboratively with clients to navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges across a wide range of domestic and international transactions. We are recognised for advising corporates, financial institutions and investors on sophisticated private transactions, joint ventures and strategic investments.

A key differentiator of our practice is our sector-led approach, with deep expertise across:

• Asset Management and Investment Funds
• Financial Institutions
• Technology, Media & Telecommunications
• Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure
• Healthcare & Life Sciences

This sector focus enables our lawyers to combine strong transactional capability with a clear understanding of market dynamics, delivering commercially focused and pragmatic advice tailored to each client’s industry.

Our Private M&A practice is a core strength of the firm, advising on significant and complex transactions globally. With a large international team and access to market-leading specialists across regulatory, tax, finance and competition, we support clients in delivering their M&A strategies seamlessly across jurisdictions.

Our Private Equity team operates internationally and advises on the full lifecycle of private equity transactions, from acquisitions and investments through to financing, divestments and fund-level matters, working as part of fully integrated, multidisciplinary teams.

The role

We are looking to recruit an Associate or Supervising Associate (2–5 PQE) to join our growing Bristol-based Private Markets team.

You will play a key role in advising clients on high-quality transactional work, working closely with partners and senior lawyers across a range of matters. The role offers strong exposure to private equity sponsors, corporates and investment funds, and the opportunity to take ownership of workstreams on complex transactions.

Key responsibilities

• Advising on a range of corporate transactions, including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures
• Drafting and negotiating transaction documentation (e.g. SPAs, investment agreements, shareholders’ agreements)
• Managing and supporting due diligence processes
• Structuring transactions and advising on legal risk and commercial issues
• Leading discrete workstreams on transactions and coordinating with specialist teams (e.g. tax, finance, employment)
• Supporting partners in client relationship development and business development initiatives
• Supervising and mentoring junior team members where appropriate

Skills & experience

• 2–5 years’ PQE gained at a leading UK or international firm
• Strong experience in Private M&A, ideally with exposure to Private Equity work
• Experience of handling transactional workstreams with appropriate supervision
• Strong technical drafting skills and commercial awareness
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• A collaborative approach and ability to build strong internal and external relationships

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, 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 are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities to all applicants irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, 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.

Recruitment Agencies

We prioritise direct sourcing and referrals, engaging with our preferred agency partners where support is required. Unsolicited CVs submitted without the prior agreement of the recruitment team will not be deemed a valid introduction. Please contact the recruitment team if you have any questions.