Transactional Counsel

  • Barclay Simpson
  • Feb 27, 2026
Full time Legal

Job Description

A rare opportunity to join a highly regarded, London-based special situations investment platform where legal sits firmly in the front office.

This is not a back-office legal function. The role is embedded within the investment team and operates at the heart of deal execution and portfolio management.

The platform invests flexibly across the capital structure and is not exclusively distressed. Transactions span credit, restructurings, private equity-style investments and real estate, often in complex or event-driven situations. The company is intentionally lean (sub-30 professionals), commercially driven and mature in approach.

With typically 30-40 active portfolio positions under management, alongside new investments and exits, the work is varied, consistent and genuinely hands-on.

The Role

Working directly with investors, you will:

  • Advise across new investments, restructurings and exits
  • Navigate loans, bonds and broader capital structure dynamics
  • Support liability management and refinancing exercises
  • Contribute to M&A/control outcomes where relevant
  • Manage external counsel and drive execution workstreams

You will see transactions from origination through to exit and will be expected to add commercial value - not simply review documents.

The Candidate

You will likely be 4-8 PQE, English or NY qualified, and trained within a top-tier restructuring or leveraged finance team.

Strong experience across loans and debt documentation is essential. Exposure to high-yield bonds would be a significant advantage. NY law debt document experience is helpful but not essential.

This role will suit someone who:

  • Wants closer proximity to investment decision-making
  • Is comfortable operating in a small, fast-paced team
  • Can take ownership and run workstreams independently
  • Enjoys commercial debate and problem-solving
  • Is motivated by long-term alignment and principal-side exposure

In-house experience is welcome but not required.

Why Consider It?
  • Front office integration with the investment team
  • Broad exposure across credit, restructurings, M&A and real estate
  • Consistent deal flow across 30-40 live positions
  • High ownership in a lean environment
  • Long term incentive alignment

The hiring manager is keen to move quickly.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Tom Boulderstone at Barclay Simpson or apply via our website.