Corporate Associate

Job Description

Corporate Associate

Location:

Leeds

Career Level:

Associate 1-3 PQE

Salary: 40,000 - 55,000 Bonus

Are you an ambitious corporate lawyer looking to join one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic full-service law firms? Our client, a nationally recognised law firm with over 1,000 colleagues across 13 offices, is seeking a Corporate Associate with 1-3 years PQE to join their highly rated and award‑winning corporate team in Leeds.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work on high‑quality corporate transactions across a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, private equity, technology and retail. You’ll be joining a team of over 70 corporate lawyers who are commercially driven, collaborative and nationally respected, offering a powerful blend of regional insight and national legal expertise.

As a Corporate Associate you will be involved in the full range of corporate work including mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements, corporate restructurings, joint ventures and private equity transactions. You’ll be working on high‑value transactions for clients ranging from entrepreneurs and SMEs to financial institutions and FTSE 100 companies.

The team works seamlessly across the firm’s 13 UK offices and you will be a good team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. The firm encourages all lawyers from an early stage to network and develop their own client relationships and you will be actively supported in this and in progressing your career.

• Working on mergers and acquisitions, disposals and corporate sales
• Drafting and negotiating shareholders agreements and joint venture agreements
• Advising on corporate restructurings, reorganisations and demergers
• Supporting private equity transactions and fundraising matters
• Conducting due diligence exercises
• Advising on corporate structures and governance matters
• Advising on equity capital markets transactions
• Working to a consistently high level and providing an exemplary level of client service and care
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships
• Contributing actively towards business development opportunities to ensure retention of existing clients and expansion of business
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm’s 13 offices
• Demonstrating competent financial management and commercial awareness including accurate time recording, billing and achievement of targets
• Managing work in progress (WIP) effectively
• Maintaining up‑to‑date technical expertise at all times
• Being accountable for your own personal development and continuously developing interpersonal and soft skills
• Networking and developing your own client relationships with active support from the firm

• 1‑3 years PQE in corporate law
• Qualified Solicitor in England and Wales
• Directly relevant previous experience in corporate transactions
• Strong technical knowledge of corporate law including M&A, shareholders agreements and corporate structures
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of clients’ industries and businesses
• Proven track record of competent financial management and ability to meet client expectations
• Sound case‑management skills
• Good IT skills, experience and confidence with using case management systems, electronic time recording and general Microsoft packages
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Self‑starting friendly individual with excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in a team and collaborate effectively across multiple offices
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple matters simultaneously
• Commitment to delivering exemplary client service and care
• Ability to consistently demonstrate and embody the firm’s values

• Experience across multiple sectors such as healthcare, private equity, technology or retail
• Experience with private equity transactions
• Experience conducting due diligence exercises
• Interest in business development and networking
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple office locations

• Ambitious and driven with a desire to progress…