Self-employed PE analyst - is this normal?

Hi guys,

I am about to start a job at a small PE fund in the UK and I was wondering about the contract. It says there that I am "self-employed" and a "consultant" to the firm. Apparently this is also the case for the other analysts. I asked about this and apparently it is done like this because all analysts get a small share in the fund (carry). I'm not sure about UK employment law, though.

Has anybody seen something like this before or can tell me if this is normal? Or do you think it is just for the firm to save social security contributions and bureaucracy?

I am also worried about a paragraph in the contract where it says I would have "personal liability for any loss, damages, liability (...) from negligent or reckless act, omission or default". So does that mean I am personally liable if I make a mistake in a calculation and the fund loses millions? (very unprobable of course, but it would mean lifelong debt)

2 Comments
 
Best Response

I'd suggest reading through some stock consulting agreements you can find online (see below). There are key provisions like indemnification and ownership of intellectual property that you should consider adding to the contract to cover your ass if they want you as a consultant and not an employee. There may be other tax and benefit related issues like no health insurance that might justify a much higher nominal pay. Make sure to do your homework and talk to a local employment lawyer to review the document (shouldn't cost much in the grand scheme of things).

https://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/consulting-agreement/#.V1GoXZErJhE

 

Nemo perspiciatis iste magnam omnis magnam. Rerum quo qui magni. Dolores aperiam aut sunt natus. Voluptas et expedita et.

Voluptatem sit reprehenderit minus molestiae soluta dolorem ut. Quasi laudantium sunt nesciunt et nihil consequatur. Sint voluptatem sint pariatur aut tenetur. Deserunt dignissimos excepturi nesciunt maiores ratione.

Quia aut eos voluptas. Ex omnis rerum ut exercitationem quo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • Blackstone Group 99.3%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Vista Equity Partners 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Blackstone Group 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.3%
  • The Riverside Company 98.9%
  • Ardian 98.5%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.3%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (99) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (235) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (97) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (272) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (38) $81
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (355) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”