Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP - AllHires

The firm

The department

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 Role

Person Specification

The new hires will join the Corporate group, focusing their time on financial sponsor transactions in the UK, Europe and globally. We are looking for an individuals with 2-4 years’ post-qualification experience, preferably in the London market or with experience in a similar common law jurisdiction (although those with less or more relevant experience will be considered on their merits).

The successful candidates 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 candidates to have some experience of the structuring of financial sponsor transactions and reviewing and commenting on funds flows. This role is well suited to a candidate who has gained broad experience of financial sponsor transactions and is looking to continue developing their experience in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, working closely with partners and counsel in the team, communicating directly with clients and taking a leading role in the drafting of sophisticated transaction documentation.

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 workload 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 achievement is essential.

Remuneration

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 insurance
• 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.

The program, along with our professional development and other Skadden benefits and hybrid work model – consisting of working Monday through Thursday in the office (for full-time attorneys) – underscores Skadden's long-standing commitment to investing in its people and culture.

Training and Development

Skadden has a sophisticated training program 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 program includes:

• Regular team meetings.
• Regular know-how meetings and specific high yield know-how and training program.
• 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, KCs 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.

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunities Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees in relation to any protected characteristic including, but not limited to, race, color, religion or belief, nationality, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, pregnancy, childbirth, adoption or disability.

Ahead of making your application, if you have any adjustments which you would like to make us aware of, please contact [email protected] directly.