Senior Legal Counsel – Private Equity/Restructuring

Oliver James · London, London

Senior Legal Counsel – Private Equity/Restructuring at Oliver James, based in London, London, paying £150,000 - £180,000 per annum. This is a permanent role.

Salary
£150,000 - £180,000 per annum
Location
London, London
Contract
Permanent
Posted
1 week ago
Closes
10 Nov 2026
Sector
Solicitor

About 137% above the going rate for solicitor

Reference JOB-092026-314528_1791881017

About the role

Senior Legal Counsel - Private Equity | Restructuring & Distressed M&A
An opportunity to move beyond advising on transactions and start shaping the outcome.
Are you a Restructuring or Corporate M&A lawyer with experience advising on distressed transactions, complex restructurings or special situations?
We're partnering with a leading global private equity investor looking to appoint a Senior Legal Counsel to join its growing legal function.
This is an opportunity for an ambitious lawyer to transition into a highly commercial, investment-focused environment, working directly alongside investment professionals, operational specialists and portfolio company management teams.
Unlike traditional in-house legal positions, this role offers genuine exposure to the operational side of private equity, supporting businesses through acquisitions, restructuring, transformation and ultimately exit.
The Opportunity
You'll work across a diverse portfolio of private equity investments, providing strategic and hands-on legal support throughout the investment life-cycle.
Key responsibilities include:


Advising on complex corporate restructurings, distressed situations and post-acquisition matters.


Working closely with investment and operational teams on portfolio company transformation projects.


Supporting corporate governance, commercial legal matters and contentious situations across the portfolio.


Managing external legal advisers on complex, multi-jurisdictional matters.


Developing and implementing legal frameworks and processes across portfolio businesses.


Playing an active role in value creation initiatives, with exposure to senior investment professionals and management teams.


Who We're Looking For
We're particularly interested in speaking with lawyers who have:


5+ year's experience gained within a leading international law firm, private equity environment or in-house legal function.


A background in Restructuring, Distressed M&A, Special Situations or Corporate M&A.


Experience advising on complex corporate transactions, restructurings or distressed businesses.


Strong commercial awareness and an interest in the investment and operational aspects of private equity.


The confidence to work directly with senior stakeholders and manage complex, cross-border legal matters.


Candidates currently practising within restructuring or corporate teams who are looking for their first in-house opportunity are particularly encouraged to apply.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Move closer to the investment decisions. Work alongside the professionals acquiring, managing and transforming businesses rather than advising solely from the outside.
Broaden your legal and commercial exposure. Gain experience across the entire investment life-cycle, from acquisition and restructuring through to portfolio transformation and exit.
Make a tangible impact. Become directly involved in the strategic and operational decisions that drive value across private equity investments.
Build a long-term career in private equity. Join an established global investment platform offering international exposure, meaningful responsibility and opportunities for progression.
Interested in Exploring?
If you're a restructuring, distressed M&A or corporate lawyer looking to take your career in a more commercial, investment-focused direction, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.
Get in touch with Matt Rowson directly to discuss.

Reference: JOB-092026-314528_1791881017 · Posted 1 week ago · Closes 10 Nov 2026 · Listed via Oliver James

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Salary £150,000 - £180,000 per annum
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