What are the responsibilities and job description for the M&A / Private Equity Partner position at Sanderson King?
M&A / Private Equity Partner
Location: New York (Chicago & Dallas also considered)
Compensation: $600,000 – $1,000,000 (individualised, aligned to book and growth)
The Opportunity
A leading US law firm is seeking an experienced M&A / Private Equity Partner to join a core, strategically important corporate practice.
The group focuses exclusively on private, sponsor-driven, middle-market transactions, advising private equity funds, portfolio companies, family offices, and strategic buyers across the full investment lifecycle. With billions in annual deal value, this is a well-established platform with clear ambitions for further growth.
The Role
You will lead and grow a sponsor-facing practice within a highly active M&A and private equity group.
Key areas of focus include:
- Leading middle-market M&A and private equity transactions (LBOs, platform and add-on acquisitions, recapitalisations, divestitures, and auctions)
- Acting as a lead relationship partner to sponsors and portfolio companies
- Originating and expanding repeat, sponsor-led client relationships
- Delivering commercial, business-led advice beyond pure legal analysis
- Building a scalable, multi-lawyer practice
- Leveraging an embedded specialist model (tax, finance, employment, antitrust, IP) to enhance deal execution
- Contributing to growth in priority sectors including healthcare, sports, business services, and financial services
About You
You will be an established partner (or senior counsel ready for partnership) with a strong track record in sponsor-driven M&A.
- Significant experience in private, middle-market M&A and private equity
- Deep understanding of auction dynamics and sponsor-led transactions
- A portable book of business typically $4M–$5M (flexibility around ~$3M for the right strategic fit)
- Ability to build and support leveraged deal teams, not operate as a sole practitioner
- Commercial, pragmatic mindset with a collaborative approach
- Stable career history
The Platform
This opportunity offers a differentiated platform for partners looking to scale:
- Dedicated, embedded specialists focused exclusively on transactions
- Market-intelligence-led business development, including proprietary insights on compensation, equity, and financing structures
- Strong middle-market private equity positioning with established sponsor relationships
- Proven ability to support larger, more complex transactions over time
- Structured lateral integration, including senior leadership involvement and ongoing BD support
Why Consider a Move?
- Join a growing, strategically prioritised practice, not a saturated team
- Access a platform designed to help you scale your book, not just maintain it
- Work in a highly commercial, pragmatic culture aligned with sponsor expectations
- Benefit from competitive, individualised economics tied to performance
Additional Information
- Hybrid working across key US offices
- No visa sponsorship available
- Partner-level process including full business case review
Salary : $600,000 - $1,000,000