Job Description

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Associate to join our Corporate M&A practice group in London.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE

A&O Shearman advises across the broad spectrum of corporate work including public takeovers, private M&A, Private Equity, ECM, complex joint ventures and corporate restructurings, as well as general commercial, antitrust and corporate governance issues. We are a truly global adviser with an enviable geographic footprint. Our global corporate team spans all of our offices and works seamlessly with a community of relationship law firms where we do not have a local presence. This platform provides our clients with the confidence that they will receive the highest quality advice in both their domestic markets and as they expand into new territories.



We are a leading adviser on strategic M&A transactions having advised on more than 2,180 deals worth over GBP1.2 trillion in the last five years (source: Mergermarket). Our consistently high rankings in the corporate league tables highlight the strength of our practice. Cross-border work is where we excel, and the majority of our transactions have a multi-jurisdictional focus. Strong teamwork, efficient working practices and a uniform approach enable us to manage cross-border deals effectively and seamlessly.



The successful candidate will work across our market-leading public company group, acting on the most significant deals at the forefront of the sector. In the past year alone, our UK M&A team was instructed on over 100 M&A mandates and is consistently ranked highly by the leading legal directories and league tables, being ranked in Band One by Chambers UK 2025 for Corporate/M&A: 800 million and above.



Associates coming to this team will join one of the most successful departments in the City and will obtain some of the best experience available in the market. We are focussed on growing our people so that they can fulfil their potential and become the best corporate lawyers.

ROLE PURPOSE

We are looking for a Senior Associate to join our London M&A practice group.

ROLE & RESPONSBILITIES

Taking a leading role in transactions and other corporate matters Drafting, reviewing and amending documentation Providing strategic guidance to clients Managing client expectations and project delivery appropriately Business development - development of personal plan, assistance with and implementation of business development campaign Legal research

KEY REQUIREMENTS

Qualified lawyer - 5 PQE+ Experience and confidence in managing complex transactions Strong technical/legal knowledge with regards to complex cross-border M&A Strong transactional experience, including complex private and public M&A Intellectual curiosity and versatility Self-starter with the desire and ability to continuously acquire, build upon and share knowledge Detail-focused and self-motivated approach Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines Excellent client relationship skills Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to deliver creative and pragmatic solutions and advice Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels, building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders Collaborative team player Sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility
Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.



We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.



We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.



Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.



We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.



Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.



What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.