Senior Practice Attorney

Skadden advises financial sponsors and their portfolio companies at all stages of the downstream investment cycle, including management incentive plans, financings and refinancings, bolt-on investments, management change, recaps, corporate restructurings and exits. Skadden also supports portfolio companies on legal issues that typically arise under financial sponsor ownership and leveraged structures, with a particular focus on matters impacting the capital structure (including repatriation of equity from good / bad leavers and the issue of reserved equity to new joiners).

Skadden’s global financial sponsor practice forms an integral part of Skadden’s ongoing M&A success and is one of the fastest-growing, most dynamic financial sponsor practices in Europe. The group’s recognition by Law360 as “Private Equity Group of the Year” speaks to its contribution to Skadden’s #1 ranking for global M&A (Mergermarket 2014-2024), our current #2 ranking for global M&A in 2024 (Bloomberg) and our position as the only US law firm to ever top the UK M&A tables Bloomberg, 2021 and again in 2023). The firm’s financial sponsor practice as a whole and its individual attorneys have also been repeatedly recognized as market-leading by the top legal directories.

The new hire will join the Financial Sponsors team, focusing their time on working with portfolio companies owned by Private Equity sponsors primarily in the UK, US and Europe. We are looking for two individual's with 6-8 years' relevant post qualification experience in a corporate team, preferably in the London market or experience in a similar common law jurisdiction (although those with less or more relevant experience will be considered on their merits) and preferably in a Financial Sponsors practice group.

The successful candidate will have solid knowledge of Financial Sponsors and be looking for an opportunity to move into a less transaction focused role within the Financial Sponsors team. The individual will report directly in to a partner in the team, be keen to have more responsibility for their own clients, and be excited to manage our portfolio company relationships to ensure that the service they receive is top standard. 

Duties will include:

• Providing day-to-day legal advice on a variety of legal queries and corporate issues which arise in connection with portfolio companies, including implementing management equity plans, assisting with C-suite joiners and leavers and maintaining records and cap tables in connection with portfolio companies
• Drafting all documentation in relation to the foregoing
• Assistance in preparing the relevant companies for exit and bolt-on transactions, liaising with the deal team and ensuring company knowledge is shared seamlessly between teams
• Regular communication with attorneys for all matters related to the portfolio companies covered.
• Regular client communication, taking on the lead role in dealing with client requests on a day-to-day basis and in helping to build client relationships
• Excellent written communication and drafting skills are required as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative.  You must poses the skills to take on a high degree of responsibility within a fast paced and friendly environment.  A high level of academic record is essential.  You will be flexible as to the hours you work to meet client demands, but will not be expected to work on transactional matters (unless you choose to do so) and so can expect to work in a more flexible way, than a deal team member. 

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package.  The package includes:

• Discretionary year-end bonus
• Technology allowance
• 22 days holiday and 3 personal days
• Enhanced Family leave
• Private medical insurance
• Permanent health insurance
• Life assurance
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Gym allowance
• Travel insurance

Mentoring and Hybrid Working

Associates who join Skadden laterally participate in our mentor program, Skadden Integration+, which specifically focuses on the unique needs experienced attorneys face during professional transitions

These efforts, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits, including a hybrid work model. Our hybrid work model consists of working Monday to Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys), underscoring Skadden’s long-standing commitment to investing in its people, culture and diversity.

Skadden has a sophisticated training programme that includes both in-house and external seminars and training sessions.  We also pride ourselves on providing our lawyers with "on-the-job" training and constructive "real-time" partner feedback.  The formal training programme includes:

• Regular team meetings.
• Regular corporate know-how meetings.
• Weekly and monthly training seminars and workshops for all levels covering legal topics relevant to the firm’s practice areas and skills.  These are presented by partners and associates and external specialists, KC’s and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden’s network of offices.

Pro bono

Pro bono is a core aspect of Skadden culture, and the firm dedicates approximately 3-5% of its total billable hours to pro bono matters. Our lawyers have an opportunity to get involved in a range of pro bono matters under the supervision of charities, on topics including family, welfare benefits, housing, and immigration, as well as corporate pro bono opportunities.