An international law firm with a highly regarded Finance practice is looking to grow its Leveraged Finance team with an Associate hire at junior to mid-level.
The team sits within a broader Debt Finance practice covering leveraged finance, real estate finance, asset-based lending, secured and unsecured corporate lending, and non-contentious debt restructuring. This is a dedicated leveraged finance role, with opportunities to flex into other areas of Debt Finance as your experience grows.
About the role
You'll work on both borrower and lender side transactions, with clients including traditional banks, challenger banks, alternative lenders, private equity sponsors and corporates. You'll gain broad exposure across acquisition financings and cashflow lending, including senior, unitranche, super senior, mezzanine and holdco PIK facilities, and will work alongside the Private Equity team on the financing side of leveraged buyouts.
Much of the work is cross-border, so you'll get real exposure to navigating overseas jurisdictions and multi-party deal processes.
You'll join a team backed by an ambitious growth strategy and genuine long-term progression, in a culture that's informal and supportive without compromising on quality. The team is well resourced, with dedicated Knowledge Development Lawyer support, and is genuinely at the forefront of testing and adopting AI and other technology in deal delivery.
Main responsibilities
- Drafting and negotiating finance documents, starting with security documents and fee letters, and progressing to intercreditor agreements and facility agreements as your experience develops
- Managing the condition precedent process and overseeing trainees and paralegals
- Regular direct interaction with clients and counterparty law firms
- Building your own internal and external network of contacts
- Getting involved in know-how initiatives, including the application of AI and other technology to improve deal efficiency
- For more experienced candidates: increasing autonomy running workstreams with limited partner supervision, and involvement in business development including client training and bulletins
What they're looking for
- Qualified lawyer with excellent academic and professional qualifications
- At least one year of post-qualification experience in finance, gained in private practice, including exposure to leveraged finance transactions in the UK. Candidates with more extensive mid-market leveraged finance experience are also encouraged to apply and will be considered at a more senior associate level
- Background at a firm with a strong reputation in banking and finance
- Accuracy and attention to detail, with excellent communication skills
- Organised, with the ability to prioritise realistically under strict deadlines
- Resilient, collaborative, and willing to challenge and stretch yourself
- Good file management and time-recording discipline
What's on offer
- Competitive salary and family-friendly policies
- Private health and dental cover for you and your family, plus life assurance
- Genuine hybrid and flexible working
- Excellent Bonus
- Real career progression within a growing, ambitious team