Private Equity in London: lateral monitor

Sartori & Partners data show 165 lateral moves in Private Equity in London from November 2025 to October 2026, 13.2% of the practice's moves. On settled 12-month windows the count showed no clear change: 175 against 171 (+2.3%). The market as a whole moved +9.0%, so this flow lagged it.

Over the three years to October 2026, 491 lawyers moved in Private Equity in London, 151 of them partners (30.8%). They joined 85 different firms. 12.0% stepped up a level on the move and 16.6% changed city, against 12.3% and 21.6% across the market over the same three years. 77.3% came from firms with 1,000+ lawyers.

Partners account for 30.9% of movers, near the market's 27.7%. Year on year partner moves alone held level (54 to 54 on settled windows, 0.0%). A step up in title came with 10.3% of moves (market 12.9%).

54 firms hired at least one lateral in Private Equity in London in the window. The ten firms at the head of the hiring table took 44.8% of arrivals (12.9% market-wide), so hiring here is concentrated. First on the hiring table is Latham & Watkins, with arrivals in the 11-20 band.

The practice accounts for 12.7% of all lateral moves in London. Over the three years to October 2026, 61.5% of movers came from another firm in London itself. A change of city came with 10.8% of moves (market 20.5%).

With volume in Private Equity in London holding level, a hire depends on a specific reason to move, which a firm has to put in front of the candidate.

Sartori & Partners data count 437 dated deals in Private Equity in London in the 12 months to October 2026 and 1,181 over the three years to October 2026.

Private equity work is involved in 61.5% of them and Venture & growth in 6.0%.

By client industry, Financial Sponsors comes first with 83.7%.

Latham & Watkins ranks first among advising firms over the period, in the 101-150 band.

Over the three years to October 2026, Buyouts was involved in 38.7% of moves in Private Equity in London, then Growth & Minority Investments with 13.2%.