Associate (UK practice)

Skadden's Corporate M&A practice remains one of the best known and respected practices in the world and a leader in advising on high-profile corporate deals. Over the last 30 years, the Firm has developed a full corporate English and US law capability in London. The team is consistently ranked as a leading M&A practice in London for complex and cross-border transactions, regularly acting opposite the Magic Circle and other leading US-headquartered law firms in the London market. Virtually all of the transactions that our lawyers advise on are cross-border in nature and provide an excellent opportunity to work on deals involving high levels of complexity,  different industries and which are often first-of-their-kind. Our clients include a broad array of leading private and public companies, private equity firms, special committees and management teams, government entities, and other institutions and individuals. This is an exciting time to join an expanding team at a leading M&A practice in London.

The new hire will join the London Corporate group, predominantly handling M&A but should be versatile and be expected to undertake a broad range of corporate transactions within our practice public and private M&A, joint ventures as well as advising on corporate governance matters.  As a member of the UK M&A team you will have the added advantage of working with and alongside our US and European colleagues.

The new hire will join the Corporate group.  We are looking for an individual with 1 – 6 years' relevant UK post qualification experience 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 role requires a candidate with excellent experience in managing client relationships and the ability to assist clients on day to day issues.  Excellent written communication and drafting skills are also required as well as the ability to demonstrate initiative.  They must also possess the skills to take on a high degree of responsibility within a fast paced but friendly environment.  A high level of academic achievement required.

We pay generous rates and provide our lawyers with a highly competitive benefits package.  As of 2021, 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

Hybrid Working

Our new hybrid work model, which remains subject to review, consists of working at least three days per week in the office (for full-time attorneys) and living within commuting distance to the office.  From 2023 our office will be at 22 Bishopsgate in the City of London. 

More information on the guidelines, including coordination of work schedules within the practice, can be discussed during the interview process and confirmed upon joining the firm.

The Skadden training programme has evolved over the years as the firm has grown and assists our lawyers in their development by providing them with the necessary skills to take on as much responsibility as they are ready for. The programme includes:

• Regular know-how meetings. Our partners participate in City committees that contribute to the development of laws and regulations.
• 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, QC's and other professionals.
• Live video-links to seminars presented across Skadden's network of offices.
• A number of pro-bono opportunities are also available to our lawyers through our pro-bono programme. We are affiliated to LawWorks, a registered charity which supplies pro-bono projects to the firm

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are fundamental to our success as a global law firm, giving us a wealth of different perspectives from which to address our clients’ most pressing issues across a wide spectrum of industries, geographies and cultures. We strive to develop initiatives at Skadden to specifically address diversity, equity and inclusion goals — including for recruiting, professional development, attorney retention and advancement, and cross-cultural awareness — while also continually inculcating inclusion principles into the fabric of the firm. This includes ensuring that all job applicants are treated fairly regardless of, for example, age, disability, sex, race and sexual orientation as per our Equal Employment Opportunity statement. If you require adjustments to be made during the selection process, please speak to a member of the recruitment team.