New - we are actively seeking an ambitious Corporate Associate (2-3 PQE) to join a highly regarded Legal 100 firm in the Thames Valley. This is a Chambers-rated top-tier corporate practice which offers excellent exposure to an impressive array of both regional, city and international clients with a transparent career progression framework. You can expect exposure to complex M&A; Private Equity and a diverse range of corporate matters from day one with a solid background as an Associate in private practice. This position offers a fantastic platform for career development as the successful candidate will enjoy high visibility (both within and outside the firm), a key role in business development and full partner support. Among the clients are multi-national corporations, public companies, professional partnerships, banks and financial institutions as well as private individuals, owner managed businesses and start-ups. The corporate team are one of the top corporate practices in the South East, outside London, and consist of eight partners and around twenty other lawyers, including two dedicated professional support lawyers. The work of the team is high-quality and diverse and covers a broad range of corporate transactional and advisory work, including: Private M&A (both buy side and sell side) Private equity (principally management advisory and portfolio work) High growth companies / shareholders agreements and articles / equity fundraising Corporate rationalisations / reorganisations General corporate advisory Partnership law Inward investment and cross border The team is supported by the full range of specialists required to support corporate transactional work, including tax, employment, immigration and pensions, real estate, banking and finance, regulatory and anti-trust, intellectual property and commercial. A large proportion of the clients are multinational, based overseas or have international business interests, and we frequently work with overseas law firms, including the major jurisdictions in Europe and the US. Clients include mid-tier businesses (quoted and owner-managed), household name PLCs and other major international groups, high-net-worth private clients and high growth companies. The aggregate value of deals we have advised upon over the past 12 months is approximately £3bn. Skills / Experience Required You will have between 2 and 6 years' PQE and relevant corporate law experience gained with a recognised regional or London commercial firm. A proven track record or keen interest in business development and client relationship management is highly desirable as is a commercial approach. Personal qualities we seek include: Strong technical expertise Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively at all levels Commercial outlook Dedication to exceptional client service delivery Proactive style and ability to act on your own initiative Dedication, determination and loyalty to colleagues, clients and communities Collegiate and team-playing approach Relationship-driven and people oriented Solid relevant technical expertise and intellectual ability Enthusiastic and committed to a career in clinical negligence work Strong analytical skills Excellent client care skills Self-motivation and the ability to assume responsibility for your own matters The work of the team is high-quality and diverse and covers a broad range of corporate transactional and advisory work, including: Private M&A (both buy side and sell side) Private equity (principally management advisory and portfolio work) High growth companies / shareholders agreements and articles / equity fundraising Corporate rationalisations / reorganisations General corporate advisory Partnership law Inward investment and cross border The ideal individual will have trained with a recognised city, or regional, practice and be capable of demonstrating a consistently strong academic record. We are seeking an ambitious solicitor (ideally 2-3 PQE) who will particularly enjoy business development/marketing and actively seeks a consistent level of client contact. You will be organised in your approach to managing conflicting deadlines and be able to work within a collegiate team environment. This person is required on a permanent basis working as part of an experienced team undertaking M&A, and general corporate advice work, ensuring that individual financial targets and objectives are met in line with the Department business plan. An excellent knowledge of transactional processes is required and this opportunity requires excellent IT/keyboard skills, planning and organisational skills as well as a flexible and positive attitude to your work. You will be joining an established team therefore the ability to work as part of a team is equally important. This opportunity offers excellent long-term career development potential and the successful candidate will enjoy a collegiate team environment and generous financial package plus benefits. The firm provide excellent long-term career opportunities for ambitious candidates who aspire to partnership and reward associates with market-leading salaries (outside London), and a comprehensive package of benefits. The firm recognise that lawyers value the ability to work flexibly and offer an agile working policies to facilitate flexible working. To apply, please submit your CV via the link below. Alternatively, contact benstonorlegal.com in strictest confidence.