Private Equity Partner – London

A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Private Equity Partner to join its top-tier practice in London. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-performing team with a strong portfolio of fund sponsors, institutional investors, and management teams across the UK, Europe, and globally.

The Opportunity

London's private equity partner hiring market has reached record levels, with 50 partner moves recorded in 2025 – nearly double the 28 recorded in 2024. For the first time, UK-headquartered firms have outpaced their US counterparts in net growth, reflecting the depth and maturity of the London market. This role sits at the heart of that momentum.

You will work alongside a collaborative partnership group that values commercial thinking, deep sector knowledge, and long-term client relationships. The team advises on the full spectrum of private equity transactions, from early-stage growth capital to complex multi-jurisdiction buyouts, secondaries, and co-investment structures.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage complex private equity transactions, including leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, portfolio company exits, and secondary transactions across multiple jurisdictions.
Advise fund sponsors, institutional investors, and management teams on deal structuring, negotiation strategy, and regulatory compliance throughout the investment lifecycle.
Develop and deepen client relationships with leading private equity houses, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and family offices active in the European market.
Originate new business by identifying cross-selling opportunities across the firm's corporate, tax, regulatory, and fund formation practices.
Supervise, mentor, and develop junior associates and counsel, providing clear guidance on transaction management, client communication, and technical excellence.
Contribute to the strategic direction of the private equity practice, including participation in annual business planning, budgeting, and lateral hiring decisions.
Draft, review, and negotiate key transaction documents, including shareholders' agreements, investment agreements, management incentive plans, and disclosure letters.
Coordinate with tax, antitrust, regulatory, and employment specialists to deliver integrated solutions on multi-disciplinary deals.
Represent the firm at industry conferences, client events, and thought-leadership initiatives to strengthen the brand and visibility of the private equity practice.
Monitor and advise on evolving FCA, AIFMD, and EU regulatory developments affecting private equity fund structuring and cross-border transactions.

About You

You are a commercially driven private equity lawyer with a proven track record of leading high-value transactions and building durable client relationships. You bring credibility, ambition, and a collaborative approach to leadership.

Qualified solicitor or barrister with a current practising certificate in England and Wales.
Significant post-qualification experience in private equity, with a strong focus on M&A, fund investments, or buyout transactions.
Demonstrated origination capability with a portable book of business spanning private equity funds, institutional investors, or management teams.
Experience advising on transactions across multiple European jurisdictions, with a solid understanding of local regulatory and tax frameworks.
Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of developing junior talent and contributing to practice growth.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at board and partnership level.
Comfortable operating in a collegiate, merit-based partnership environment where collaboration and shared success are valued.
Knowledge of real estate private equity or infrastructure investment is a distinct advantage, reflecting growing client demand in these sectors.

Technical Expertise

You will be expected to work with a range of tools and platforms common in modern legal practice, including deal management systems, virtual data rooms (such as Datasite, Intralinks, and Merrill DatasiteOne), document management systems (iManage, NetDocuments), and CRM platforms (InterAction, HubSpot). Familiarity with legal tech tools for due diligence automation and contract analytics is also valued.

What We Offer

Competitive partner compensation package with a transparent and merit-based profit-sharing structure.
Access to a blue-chip client base and a well-established platform for business development.
Collaborative and inclusive partnership culture with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Flexible and agile working arrangements, including hybrid office and remote options.
Comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, life assurance, pension contribution, and wellbeing support.
Opportunity to shape the future growth of a top-tier private equity practice in one of the world's leading financial centres.
Strong support for external engagements, including speaking opportunities, academic affiliations, and pro bono initiatives.

Career Growth and Market Context

The London private equity market is in a period of significant transition. Lateral partner hires now account for 66% of all moves, down from 89% in 2024, as firms increasingly invest in external promotions and in-house development. This shift creates a unique environment where new partners can make an immediate and lasting impact. Demand for private equity expertise is expected to remain strong through 2026, particularly in real estate private equity and infrastructure, where investor appetite continues to grow. The pool of senior, well-established private equity partners in London remains limited, making this an exceptional time to consider a move.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your application through devkarriere.com. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. A member of our recruitment team will be in touch to discuss the role in more detail and outline the next steps, which will include an initial conversation, a meeting with the practice group leader, and a formal partnership committee review. We aim to complete the process within four to six weeks of the initial application.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background.