Corporate Associate (2-4 PQE)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

The Department

Most large firms have a corporate department that provides broad legal advice on commercial issues. What makes our team different is that we provide a unique combination of corporate experience integrated with world leading wealth planning advice across the US, Europe and Asia. 

Each member of our team has an understanding of the personal and corporate issues that impact our clients both in their business and private lives. It is this unusual blend of knowledge that allows us to offer an individual service to the leaders of public and privately held organisations. 

We frequently act as general counsel, advising on all legal aspects of their day-to-day operations and deal flow. Clients include successful families, entrepreneurs and their businesses operating across numerous sectors including luxury brands, healthcare, sports, retail and hotels and leisure.

The Role 

Depending on the experience and interests of the successful applicant, the role may encompass the full range of corporate M&A, venture capital investment and advisory work, working in a wide range of sectors. The successful candidate will be a key member of the team from the start; drafting and negotiating a range of documents, such as share and asset purchase agreements, shareholders' and investment agreements, articles of association and related transaction documents. The suitable candidate needs to be able to produce good first drafts of a suite of documents and help lead the delivery of a transaction. The transactions are frequently international, and the clients will be a mixture of investors, founders, entrepreneurs, and corporates.  Experience of partnership/LLP law, share incentives and/or capital markets may be helpful but is not essential.

Key skills and experience

• 2-4 years post qualification experience
• Excellent academics and the benefit of a broad training in a well-regarded Corporate department
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective team player - able to work effectively in an established, close-knit team
• An enthusiastic and engaged attitude with excellent people skills and a good, clear communication style
• A willingness to take responsibility and ability to form strong working relationships across all areas of the practice
• Excellent technical ability and solid drafting skills
• Ability to communicate and handle client contact (both internal and external) from the outset 
• A commercial and pragmatic outlook
• Familiarity with technology e.g. excel, word

The Essentials

• Working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm but flexibility is a must 
• Hybrid working
• Flexible benefits package

For further information, please contact Recruitment Team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion. Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.