Transaction Lawyer

Client / Mandate complexity

This was the first time the client had hired a desk lawyer, with the aim of creating greater capacity and efficiency across deal flow. The role was designed to support the investment team more closely, providing internal legal expertise on transactions and helping manage the pace and complexity of activity.

Key requirements

The role required expertise in private credit and complex deal structures, along with a strong understanding of GRIDs to help the business assess and manage risk. The lawyer would triage incoming deals, identifying areas of concern early. This allowed the investment team to focus on priority opportunities, while the legal function assessed and managed the higher-risk transactions.

Constraints or sensitivities

The bar was exceptionally high, both technically and in terms of stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate needed the credibility and judgement to operate within a high-performing investment team, working closely with senior deal professionals and external advisers.

Market mapping and intelligence

Working with the client, we reviewed the legal teams across their competitors to identify relevant talent. This allowed us to present candidates the client might not have initially considered, widening the pool while remaining focused on the right experience and capability.

Candidate evaluation process

We applied our in-house selection process to assess the specific skills the client required. This allowed us to narrow the field to a focused group of candidates. We also worked with the client to design a case study that tested the technical judgement and commercial thinking needed for the role.

Successful placement details

The hire has been highly successful, and the client is now looking to add a second lawyer to the team. The candidate joined from private practice with strong private credit experience and had previously advised a competing platform. The success of the placement has reinforced the value of building an internal desk legal capability, and the firm plans to continue investing in the function to support its deal activity.