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 Corporate group, focusing their time on financial sponsor transactions in the UK, Europe and globally. We are looking for one individual with 3-4 years' relevant post qualification experience and two individuals with 4-6 years’ post-qualification experience, in each case 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).
The successful candidate will have solid financial sponsor experience, including some or all of drafting and negotiating locked box and completion accounts SPAs (although we appreciate that experience of the former may be stronger given market conditions in recent years), management incentive documents (including leaver terms) and shareholders' agreements, alongside NDAs, engagement letters, disclosure letters, diligence reports and other ancillary documents. We would expect the successful candidate to have some experience of the structuring of financial sponsor transactions and reviewing and commenting on funds flows. This role is well suited for a candidate who has had broad experience of financial sponsor transactions and is ready to take the next step in their career into leading deals in a pro-active way, reporting directly to partners and counsel in the team and communicating with clients, while leading on the drafting of sophisticated documentation and supervising more junior colleagues on other areas of the typical financial sponsor process.
Excellent written communication and drafting skills are required as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative. You must also possess the skills to take on a high degree of responsibility and manage a challenging work load within a fast paced and friendly environment. A desire to get involved in marketing, knowhow and pro-bono initiatives is also required. A high-level of academic record is essential. |
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.
|